According to Yossi Gozlan of Third Apron, the Washington Wizards took a different approach to team-building than many expected.
Rather than preserving cap space for the offseason, the organization used its financial flexibility during the season to acquire star veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis in separate trades.
Those moves significantly reshaped Washington’s roster while allowing the front office to accelerate its timeline.
The strategy was further boosted by lottery luck, as the Wizards secured the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Despite the additions of Young and Davis, Washington is still projected to remain below the luxury tax threshold.
Gozlan estimates the team currently sits roughly $11 million under the tax line, though that figure could change depending on Young’s contract situation.
The projection assumes Young exercises his $49 million player option for next season.
However, the 4× NBA All-Star guard could instead decline the option and pursue a new long-term contract, which would alter the Wizards’ financial outlook heading into the offseason.
Eastern Notes: Rajakovic, Webster, Wizards, Toppin, Sixers https://t.co/hLWcGyZlUM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 9, 2026
