The Washington Wizards just made one of the more intriguing moves of the NBA season, pulling off a savvy, low-cost trade for four-time All-Star point guard Trae Young. It’s a move that signals more than just a talent grab-it’s a statement. The Wizards are ready to shift gears from rebuilding to retooling, and Young is now at the center of that transformation.
But Washington might not be done yet.
According to league sources, the Wizards are among a handful of teams keeping tabs on Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis. If that interest turns into action, it could mark the next major step in reshaping the franchise-and give Young a high-level running mate to help redefine Wizards basketball.
Let’s unpack what this could mean.
Wizards Eyeing a Second Star
At 10-33, Washington’s record paints a clear picture: this team is still in the early stages of a long-term project. But their recent moves suggest they’re looking to accelerate that timeline.
The trade for Young was bold, but it didn’t come at a steep price. The Wizards held on to all their draft picks and parted with solid, but not irreplaceable, players in Corey Kispert and CJ McCollum.
That leaves Washington in a rare position-armed with a new franchise point guard, a stockpile of draft capital, and a young core that’s starting to show flashes.
Enter Sabonis.
The three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection is one of the league’s most skilled big men. He brings elite passing, rebounding, and interior scoring to the table, and his high-IQ game could mesh beautifully with Young’s playmaking and perimeter gravity. If Washington can land him without gutting their roster or draft assets, they’d be adding another high-level piece without compromising their long-term flexibility.
The Sacramento Situation
The Kings, meanwhile, are navigating their own stretch of uncertainty. While there’s no guarantee they’re actively shopping Sabonis, the fact that multiple teams-including Washington, Phoenix, Chicago, and Toronto-are monitoring the situation suggests there could be movement ahead of the trade deadline.
For the Wizards, it’s about being ready if the opportunity presents itself. They’ve got the goods to make a compelling offer-extra picks, young talent, and a clear direction. That’s more than some other suitors can say.
Building Toward 2026-27
If Sabonis were to land in D.C., it would give the Wizards a legitimate trio to build around. Young is already in place.
Rookie big man Alex Sarr, assuming he remains off the trade table, offers rim protection and defensive versatility. Add Sabonis to that mix, and suddenly you’ve got a foundation that could power one of the league’s more dynamic offenses.
And let’s not forget: Washington still holds its 2026 first-round pick, which currently has the third-best odds of landing at No. 1 overall. That’s a potential franchise-changer in its own right.
With that kind of core and a top draft pick in hand, the Wizards could be knocking on the door of the Play-In Tournament as soon as next season. Even if that timeline proves optimistic, the long-term vision is clear-and promising.
A Front Office on the Move
There’s no guarantee that Sabonis ends up in Washington. The competition is real, and Sacramento may choose to hold onto their All-Star center.
But the fact that the Wizards are even in the conversation tells us something important: this front office isn’t sitting back. They’re active, aggressive, and clearly committed to building something sustainable.
The Trae Young trade wasn’t a one-off. It was the beginning of a new chapter-and maybe, just maybe, Sabonis is the next big name to join the story.