NBA Notes: Wizards, Trae Young, Hawks, Kristaps Porzingis, Celtics

Wizards

Washington is taking a patient but intentional approach with Trae Young.

Speaking to Mark Medina of EssentiallySports, Wizards GM Will Dawkins confirmed Young will remain sidelined through the All-Star break, though the team is not shutting him down for the season.

The priority, Dawkins said, is eventually seeing how Young fits alongside the franchise’s young core, including Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.

“It’s important because Trae has a decision to make,” Dawkins said, referencing Young’s upcoming contract crossroads. “You want to make sure that he’s comfortable playing with the young guys… We have a lot of questions on our team and how we play moving forward.”

Young holds a player option worth nearly $49 million for 2026-27. Given that he has appeared in only 10 games this season due to injuries, many expect him to lean toward opting in. Still, a strong second half could reopen options, including a potential opt-out or extension path.

Dawkins indicated the Wizards have maintained open communication with Young’s representatives, laying groundwork for future discussions.

Hawks

With Young now in Washington, Atlanta’s attention is shifting toward frontcourt stability.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes the Hawks still need size, especially with Kristaps Porzingis missing extended time due to injury and illness.

When Porzingis plays, Atlanta has been effective. When he does not, the defense and rebounding suffer. The Hawks rank near the bottom of the league in rebound percentage and have allowed one of the highest paint scoring totals this season.

The Young trade has opened financial flexibility, giving Atlanta room to absorb salary into 2026-27. One theoretical swing could involve Anthony Davis, though matching salaries would require additional contracts beyond Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring deal to stay under the luxury tax.

Atlanta cannot aggregate Corey Kispert’s recently acquired salary but does have Luke Kennard’s $11 million expiring contract available in potential constructions.

Celtics

Boston’s refusal to rebuild is aging well.

Marks points back to Brad Stevens’ firm stance last summer that a rebuild would not be part of the Celtics’ identity, even after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and a roster reshuffle that included trading Jrue Holiday and Porzingis.

Despite the turnover, Boston has surged to No. 2 in the East, outperforming expectations and keeping long-term optionality intact. That context could shape how aggressive the Celtics get at the deadline.

The franchise shed more than $300 million in payroll last offseason and still has flexibility to continue trimming, starting with Anfernee Simons’ $27.7 million expiring contract. Simons has been productive in a reserve role, averaging 13.6 points per game while shooting over 40 percent from three.

Boston could go two directions: Continue managing the books … or view the deadline as an opportunity to strengthen the roster ahead of Tatum’s eventual return.

The Celtics remain over the first apron, limiting certain mechanisms, but they retain three usable trade exceptions created after July 1.