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Trae Young’s career graph seems to have hit a bit of a slump in recent years, as reflected in his scoring output and failure to make the playoffs since 2023. Meanwhile, reports of tension between him and the Atlanta Hawks raised further concerns.
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Missing most of the 2025-26 season due to an MCL sprain in his right knee, Young was eventually traded to the Washington Wizards, marking an end to his eight-year partnership with the Hawks. At the same time, playing for a franchise like the Wizards was no welcome change, given their losing reputation across the league.
Trae Young leaves mid-game after his trade announcement 🥲
He leaves the court for the final time as a Hawk… pic.twitter.com/k5EgSjQkP7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2026
Traded midway through the season, Young managed to suit up for five games as a Wizard but ended up going 0-5. He sat out the last few games of the season due to low back pain and a right quad contusion. Moving into the offseason, many believed Trae would be traded again, but instead, he signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Washington.
As we inch closer to the 2026-27 season, Young is eager to make a statement against those who feel he is being overpaid. The 27-year-old looks to use the conjecture and media narratives surrounding him as fuel to showcase the best version of himself come October.
“(When) you’re not being talked about, that’s motivating as a player… I’m very motivated to be back in the conversation where I should be and where I’ve been before,”Trae told ESPN.
What will his best version look like?
After a rather forgettable 2025-26 season, Young is looking to reclaim his All-Star status. Not long ago, the 6’2″ guard spoke about how he’s probably just entering his prime, addressing how he was being slept on after joining the Wizards. Ice Trae even called out a section of the media for recency bias, but couldn’t afford to get caught up in what people say about him.
Trae Young putting in work ahead of Year 9 💪
(via @WashWizards)
pic.twitter.com/8C4GRKqU4j
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— NBA (@NBA) September 8, 2026
When asked what his best version would look like, Young didn’t reveal much, suggesting his game would do the talking.
“You’ll see it. I don’t even have to tell you; you’ll see it. Everything. People think I’m just a ball-dominant person. It’s hilarious to me. The best version may not be the most points, most assists. It could be… but at the same time, I’m working on so many things right now that I just can’t wait to play,” stated Trae as he looked forward to welcoming the first pick in the 2026 draft, AJ Dybansta, to the Wizards.
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The Wizards have an interesting mix
The Washington franchise has long been a laughingstock in the NBA, given its losing record over the years and its intentional tanking. That said, Coach Brian Keefe has a good chance to start building what could be something special in the coming years.
The Wizards have an intriguing combination of talent and experience on their roster, starring Young, Dybansta, Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton and Khris Middleton. The team could aim to reach .500 this season or even make the playoffs.
Only time will tell whether the Wizards can finally give their fans something to cheer about since the days of John Wall and Bradley Beal.
Related: Tim MacMahon doubts AJ Dybantsa’s fit with Trae Young: “You don’t draft him to have him spot up on the weak side”
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This story was originally published September 9, 2026 at 1:03 AM.