Wizards Announce Trae Young News After Leaving Warriors Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 9:24 PM ET

The Washington Wizards have shifted their focus to next season rather than the current one. At the trade deadline, they doubled down on that strategy by acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

Washington is taking a chance on both players, former elite talents whose stock has dipped in recent years. Davis has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season, but Young has returned to action for the young Wizards squad after recovering from a right knee MCL sprain.

Through his first four games in Washington, the 27‑year‑old has averaged 13.8 points, 6.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 56.3% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc. He has played just 20.5 minutes per night as he continues to ramp up.

Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (3)© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

As Young prepared for Monday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, he entered the night questionable due to right knee injury management, but he was ultimately cleared to play.

Across 21 minutes, Young was having an efficient outing, scoring 21 points on 7‑of‑10 shooting with five assists and two rebounds. However, in the third quarter, Young left for the locker room after colliding with a defender while fighting to get through a screen.

He limped off under his own power, but the collision was serious enough to keep him out for the rest of the game. Moments later, the Wizards announced Young had suffered a right quad contusion and was immediately ruled out.

Trae Young (right quad contusion) is out for the remainder of tonight's game.
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 17, 2026

It is a disappointing development for Washington, as Young had finally begun to find his groove and the franchise has not had a proven superstar of his caliber in nearly a decade.

Young is a four‑time All‑Star, one‑time All‑NBA selection and led the Hawks on multiple playoff runs after Atlanta acquired him from the Dallas Mavericks on draft night in 2018.

However, injuries have been a recurring issue, and with Young holding a $49 million player option for the 2026‑27 season, the final year of his current contract, it remains unclear whether he will opt out in search of a long‑term deal and whether Washington will be willing to invest in him.

The Wizards’ approach to managing Young’s health and contract situation will play a major role in shaping the direction of their rebuild.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: