Trae Young Tossed Before Playing a Minute for Washington

Trae Young and his first major moment with the Washington Wizards came before he even stepped on the floor. The four-time All-Star was ejected Monday night despite not being in uniform during the Wizards’ 123–118 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Young left the bench during an on-court confrontation between Houston forward Tari Eason and Washington rookie Jamir Watkins and began arguing with officials, which resulted in an immediate ejection.

Eason was also thrown out during the sequence.

The incident was particularly unusual considering Young has yet to officially debut for Washington. The star guard was traded from the Atlanta Hawks on January 7th and has been sidelined since late December while recovering from injuries to his right leg.

Earlier that same day, Young had shared an update with fans about his long-awaited return.

He announced on social media that he plans to make his Wizards debut Thursday at home against the Utah Jazz.

Young later joked about the strange situation following his ejection, downplaying the moment and suggesting it would not become a trend.

“Don’t expect me to get ejected too many more times D.C.,” Young wrote on X.

Don’t expect me to get ejected too many more times D.C.😂 .. but I’m definitely bringing that energy & competitiveness when I’m back for my brothers! 🫶🏽

— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 3, 2026

Thursday’s game would mark Young’s first action since December 27th. He has been recovering from MCL and quad injuries that kept him out of action for more than two months.

Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said the team plans to ease Young back into the rotation during his debut.

Young is “expected to play 17 to 20 minutes in the debut,” Keefe said.

Despite the long absence, Young remains one of the league’s most productive playmakers. The former All-Star is averaging 19.3 points and 8.9 assists across ten appearances this season.

Washington hopes his arrival can help jumpstart a franchise currently deep in a rebuild. The Wizards sit at 16–44 and are looking toward the future after making multiple midseason moves.