After getting Trae Young, the Wizards made big changes through a trade with multiple teams.
They sent Khris Middleton, a first-round pick in 2027 uprotected, and two second-round picks from 2026 to the Nets. In return, they got Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas. They also got Goga Bitadze from the Magic. To finish the deal with the Magic, the Wizards traded Malaki Branham and swapped rights to a 2031 first-round pick. This trade helps the Wizards build a younger, competitive team. They pair Trae with high-potential scorers like Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas. They also have young wings like Coulibaly, Whitmore, and Riley, and a young center in Alex Sarr. This setup gives them flexibility to make more changes next summer, like improving their defense or adding more scoring off the bench.
Deadline / Remainder of 2025-26 Plan:
For the rest of the 2025-26 season, the Wizards focus on growing the young players in a competitive setting.
Trae Young leads the offense, while Bub Carrington handles the backup units to improve their playmaking in pick-and-roll situations. Tre Johnson works on scoring and spacing from off the ball, and Bilal Coulibaly takes on important defensive roles against top scorers. Alex Sarr and Goga Bitadze develop their chemistry at center, learning how to protect the rim and read the game with Trae. The young wing players get regular playing time but still learn from the veterans. The team stays competitive to build winning habits and show off the new players they've added.
2026-27 Starting Lineup & Rotation:
PG: Trae Young – the main playmaker and leader of the team
SG: Tre Johnson – focuses on scoring and improving as a shooter
SF: Bilal Coulibaly – strong defender with growing scoring ability
PF: Michael Porter Jr. – reliable scorer with great spacing
C: Alex Sarr – athletic rim protector with good spacing
Rotation / Bench:
Bub Carrington – backup point guard who plays second units and develops better decisions
Cam Thomas – scorer off the bench who also helps the young guards learn
Goga Bitadze – backup center who adds rim protection, spacing, and energy
Wing depth: Kyshawn George gets playing time, along with young forwards like Riley, Whitmore, and AJ
Free agent signee: A defensive guard or wing who can shoot well from the bench
This lineup mixes top-level offense, young talent, good spacing, and strong rim defense.
It keeps the Wizards in the mix while giving the young group chances to earn real NBA minutes.
Cam Thomas Free Agency & Next Season Plan
Cam Thomas will be a free agent in 2026, and keeping him is a top goal for the Wizards.
They plan to offer him a team-friendly 4-year deal around $18 million per year. This makes him the main scorer off the bench and a secondary playmaker, which lets Trae stay the main offensive driver. This setup keeps the young players growing without interruption and gives Thomas a role as a key contributor and mentor. The Wizards will also use their cap space and exceptions to bring in defensive players and shooters, without taking away minutes from the developing young stars.
Financial / Free Agency Strategy (Numbers)
Projected cap space: 2026-27: around $75–90 million
Cam Thomas: 4-year deal, $18 million per year, as the main scorer off the bench
3&D wing (like O’Neale or Thybulle): around $8–10 million per year
Bench shooters (like Coffey or Kennard): around $6–8 million per year
Total projected new salaries: around $50–55 million
Remaining flexibility for trades or moves in the middle of the season: around $20–25 million
This plan keeps the Wizards focused on growing young players, adding defensive players, keeping bench scoring strong, and staying competitive in the East. It also leaves room for possible trades or future draft picks.