What I’m Hearing About the Washington Wizards Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline

The Washington Wizards may have already delivered one of the most surprising moves of the NBA trade season by acquiring former All-Star Trae Young, but league and team sources say the front office is far from finished.

With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, the Wizards are widely expected to remain active, positioning themselves as a flexible third-party partner for teams looking to shed long-term salary in exchange for future assets. Around the league, Washington is increasingly viewed as a potential “dumping ground for contracts” — a role the franchise appears comfortable embracing as part of its long-term rebuild.

That approach aligns with the vision established since Michael Winger took over as Monumental Basketball president and installed Will Dawkins as general manager. Their strategy has been consistent: prioritize draft capital, accumulate young talent and maintain financial flexibility, even if it means absorbing multi-year deals other teams are eager to move.

Open to Long-Term Money — for a Price

Sources say the Wizards are open to taking on undesirable contracts if those deals are accompanied by future draft picks or intriguing young players. Washington’s ability to do so is aided by several expiring contracts on its books, including Khris Middleton’s $33.3 million deal, Malaki Branham’s $5.0 million salary and Marvin Bagley III’s $2.3 million contract.

Around the league, names such as Portland forward Jerami Grant and Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley have surfaced as examples of players whose long-term deals may be explored by their teams. Grant, 31, is owed more than $70 million over the next two seasons and holds a player option worth $36.4 million for 2027–28. Quickley, meanwhile, is a more productive all-around player but is owed $32.5 million annually through 2028–29 — a major commitment for any franchise.

However, multiple league sources cautioned that neither Portland nor Toronto is motivated purely by salary relief. Both teams remain competitive — the Trail Blazers are firmly in the Western Conference play-in picture, while the Raptors sit near the top of the East — and are expected to prioritize deals that help them win now.

“I think any smart front office would first use those salaries to try to get better,” one rival executive said.

That reality makes a simple swap, such as Grant for Middleton, complicated. While such a deal would reduce Portland’s long-term obligations, it would increase the Blazers’ current-season salary and leave them with limited flexibility under the luxury tax.

As for Middleton, most league observers believe his most likely outcome is remaining in Washington through the deadline before becoming a buyout candidate.

A Taste for Distressed Assets

There is another scenario league sources continue to watch closely: Washington making an additional opportunistic move similar to its recent trade for Young.

Young’s value had cratered after concerns in Atlanta regarding his ball dominance and defensive limitations. The Wizards took advantage, acquiring the four-time All-Star at minimal cost — sending out CJ McCollum’s expiring contract and Corey Kispert without sacrificing draft capital.

Internally, Wizards officials viewed the deal as a calculated gamble. McCollum’s strong play and desire for a new contract no longer aligned with Washington’s rebuilding timeline, while Kispert faced limited opportunity amid a growing group of young wings.

One league source described the move as “a pretty healthy management win.”

“They really didn’t give anything up,” the source said. “He’s a four-time All-Star. He’s not what he once was, but he’s not broken either.”

Extreme Long Shots — But Worth Monitoring

With that trade as a blueprint, some league sources believe Washington would at least explore other distressed-star situations if prices drop low enough. One name that has been mentioned — cautiously — is New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.

While the Pelicans have publicly stated they are not shopping Williamson, several league insiders remain skeptical. Even so, sources emphasized that Washington would not part with its own future first-round picks. At most, the Wizards might consider including a protected pick owed to them by another team if discussions ever reached that stage.

Any move for Williamson would carry significant health and culture risks, and sources stress it remains an extreme long shot. Still, it reflects a broader philosophy: the Wizards are willing to consider high-upside players whose flaws or situations have frustrated previous teams.

Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga is another example of a player Washington might at least inquire about, sources said, given his inconsistent role under Steve Kerr.

Balancing Growth and Development

Despite their willingness to take risks, the Wizards are unlikely to make moves that block the development of their young core. That group includes Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly and Bub Carrington — all players the organization views as central to its future.

The roster lacks a clear long-term solution at power forward, though Sarr’s versatility offers some flexibility. If Washington avoids taking on major long-term money at the deadline, sources expect the team to explore the free-agent market for a physical big who can provide rebounding and rim protection.

Young’s arrival is expected to boost offensive efficiency for several young players, particularly Sarr in pick-and-roll situations. However, his presence could also reduce ballhandling opportunities for others.

“I think it helps Sarr for sure,” one scout said. “It probably helps Kyshawn a little less because he’s handled the ball so much. And Carrington may be the one who sacrifices the most.”

For now, the Wizards remain patient, opportunistic and flexible — a combination that suggests the Trae Young trade may not be their last headline-grabbing move before the deadline clock expires.