Trae Young will now play for the Washington Wizards. But when he will suit up for the Wizards on the court remains uncertain. The former Atlanta Hawks guard says his return to the court with the Washington Wizards will depend on how the team handles his recovery following multiple injuries.
Trae Young Latest Injury Updates
Young was traded to the Wizards on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, ending his long run with the Hawks. The move had been widely expected after months of speculation surrounding his future. Injury concerns and Atlanta’s improved play during his absences played a role in the decision to move on.
Since the trade, the main question has been when Young will make his Wizards debut. Senior NBA writer Marc J. Spears provided an update on X, sharing Young’s comments about his recovery.
“Trae Young says he’s leaving it up to the Wizards to determine when he’s coming back, hopefully soon,” Spears wrote.
Spears also referenced an earlier statement from Wizards head coach Brian Keefe, who addressed whether Young would play this season.
“When asked if Young would play this season, Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said the franchise is focused on getting him healthy first before determining a return,” Spears posted.
Young’s most recent major injury is a sprained right MCL, which occurred on Oct. 29, 2025, during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. The injury sidelined him for 22 games before he returned to the lineup in mid-December.
Although he returned to action, Young has continued to deal with lingering issues related to the knee injury, along with a quad bruise. Those problems have limited both his availability and effectiveness this season. Young last played on Dec. 27 against the New York Knicks. In that game, he scored nine points in 31 minutes. He has not appeared in a game since.
After the trade, Young did not suit up for Washington’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, a 128-107 loss. The Wizards have made it clear they are taking a cautious approach with the veteran guard.
Young has been limited to just 10 games this season due to knee and quad issues. Atlanta went 13-9 in games he missed, which raised further questions about his long-term fit with the team and contributed to the eventual trade.
Wizards in No Hurry To Push Young into Action
Washington, meanwhile, appears to be in no rush to push Young back onto the floor. The Wizards currently hold a 10-27 record, which places them second worst in the league standings. With little urgency to chase wins, the organization is prioritizing Young’s long-term health.
There is no official timeline for Young’s debut with the Wizards. Team officials reportedly have not ruled out a return this season, but they have also avoided committing to a specific date.
Until Washington announces a long-term injury designation, Young’s status remains day-to-day. His next possible opportunity to make his Wizards debut would come Sunday, Jan. 11, against the Phoenix Suns.