The Washington Wizards are still waiting to see their two biggest trade acquisitions-Anthony Davis and Trae Young-take the court in their new uniforms. But even as both stars continue to rehab injuries, there’s a sense of cautious optimism coming from the front office.
Let’s start with Davis. After being dealt from Dallas to D.C. last week, the veteran big man is still recovering from hand and groin injuries that have sidelined him for a significant stretch. Initial reports suggested he might be done for the season, but Wizards GM Will Dawkins isn’t ready to close that door just yet.
Speaking Sunday, Dawkins said the plan is for Davis to return to Dallas to continue his rehab with the same team that’s been guiding his recovery. “He has a really good team down there,” Dawkins explained.
“Our doctors met with them, and our medical staff’s going to go down with him. So we want to keep that good thing going that he has.”
The key checkpoint? The All-Star break.
Davis is scheduled for a significant medical evaluation during that time, and the results of that appointment will go a long way in determining whether he suits up for Washington this season. If all goes well, Dawkins said Davis will return to D.C. after the break and begin integrating with the team.
Now, let’s be clear: the Wizards aren’t rushing Davis back. This is about long-term value, not short-term desperation. Dawkins emphasized that Davis’ presence-when healthy-changes the entire complexion of the roster.
“AD is a special player, a special talent,” Dawkins said. “He obviously opens up so much on offense because he demands double teams.
He can score in different areas. Defensively, he’s been an anchor, rebounder, rim protector.”
And it’s not just about Davis in isolation. Dawkins pointed to the potential frontcourt pairing of Davis at the four and rookie Alex Sarr at the five as a foundation for a more formidable defense. Add in Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, and Jamir Watkins on the wings, and suddenly the Wizards’ vision becomes clear: long, athletic, switchable defenders who can protect the paint and get out in transition.
As for Trae Young, the four-time All-Star remains sidelined with a right knee sprain and quad contusion-injuries he was dealing with prior to the trade from Atlanta. But there’s some movement there, too.
“He’s still working on the court,” Dawkins said. “He started doing 1-on-0, he started doing a little bit more 2-on-2 type actions. … He’s trending in a positive direction.”
Young is also expected to be reevaluated during the All-Star break, and while there’s no official return date yet, the Wizards are clearly encouraged by his progress.
Put it all together, and what you have is a franchise in transition, but with a clear blueprint. Davis and Young may not be ready to contribute right now, but the Wizards are thinking big picture. If both stars can return to full strength-whether that’s later this season or next-the foundation is there for a more competitive, dynamic team.
For now, it’s about patience, progress, and getting two cornerstone players back to full health. The Wizards aren’t just collecting talent-they’re trying to build something sustainable. And if Davis and Young can get right, that vision might not be as far off as it seems.