Wizards Announce Trae Young's Season-Ending Injuries

All-Star guard sidelined with quad and back issues, shifting focus to 2026 NBA Draft

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:04pm

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The Washington Wizards have announced that star guard Trae Young will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a right quadriceps contusion and lower back irritation. The injuries occurred during a game against the Golden State Warriors on March 16. With the Wizards near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, the focus has now shifted to the upcoming NBA Draft lottery.

Why it matters

Young's injury setback is a major blow to the Wizards' plans to build around him and Anthony Davis as the team's offensive and defensive cornerstones. The Wizards are now looking toward the draft lottery and the 2026-27 season to continue their long-term rebuilding efforts.

The details

Young sustained the quad contusion and back injury during a collision with Warriors guard Will Richard in the third quarter of the March 16 game. The Wizards say both injuries are being treated conservatively and will not require surgery, but will keep Young sidelined for the remainder of the season.

  • Young was injured during the third quarter of the Wizards' March 16 game against the Golden State Warriors.
  • The Wizards announced Young's season-ending injuries on March 21, 2026.

The players

Trae Young

A four-time NBA All-Star guard who was acquired by the Wizards in early 2026 to be a centerpiece of their rebuilding efforts.

Anthony Davis

A veteran forward who was also acquired by the Wizards to pair with Young, but has yet to make his debut for the team due to his own injury issues.

Will Richard

The Golden State Warriors guard who was involved in the collision with Young that led to his injuries.

Cooper Flagg

A highly touted prospect who was recently drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and could be a target for the Wizards in the 2026 NBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Young reinjured his right quadriceps, sustaining a contusion during the third quarter of the game against Golden State on March 16. Related imaging, due to ongoing back pain, confirmed lower back irritation. Both injuries are being treated conservatively and will not require surgery at this time.”

— Wizards PR

What’s next

The Wizards will now focus their efforts on the 2026 NBA Draft lottery, where they have a 14% chance of landing the top overall pick. This could help bolster their roster as they continue their long-term rebuilding process.

The takeaway

Trae Young's season-ending injuries are a major setback for the Wizards, who had hoped to build around him and Anthony Davis. With playoff hopes dashed, the team will now shift its focus to the draft lottery and the 2026-27 season, as they look to lay the foundation for future success.