Bold statement up front: Trae Young’s first appearance with the Washington Wizards already sparked controversy, and it happened before he even played a single minute for the team.
Trae Young, who is marching toward his Wizards debut, managed to grab headlines with an ejection during Washington’s 123-118 home loss to the Houston Rockets—before he set foot on the court for his new club. The four-time All-Star, who was traded from the Atlanta Hawks in early January, stepped onto the floor on Monday to protest a third-quarter non-call against Tari Eason and received a technical foul followed by an ejection. Eason was ejected as well.
Young lightened the mood afterward, joking on social media about his ejection history in D.C. and assuring fans he’ll bring energy and competitiveness when he returns for his teammates.
Currently sidelined by MCL and quadriceps injuries, Young hasn’t played since late December. He indicated on social media earlier Monday that he is aiming to return Thursday for the game against Utah.
The Wizards, who have struggled to sustain success for much of the past decade and have made the playoffs only once in the last seven seasons, are hoping the arrival of Young—who averages 25.2 points per game over his career—along with veteran 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis, can spark a turnaround. Davis has been out since January due to a hand injury, leaving the Magic of this potential revival hanging on a return that could reshape the team’s fortunes.
