As expected, Wizards forward Kyshawn George has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season due to a Grade 2 ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his left elbow, the team announced today (Twitter link).
When the Wizards first revealed George’s diagnosis on March 4, they indicated he’d miss at least three weeks. Last week, they ruled him out at least one more week and stated that his injury was being treated “conservatively,” strongly suggesting he wouldn’t be brought back this spring.
According to today’s announcement, George’s elbow requires additional healing and will be reevaluated in another two weeks. The expectation is that he’ll make a full recovery well ahead of the 2026/27 season, with additional updates to come, per the club.
The injury will officially close the book on George’s second NBA season after 48 appearances (all starts). The 22-year-old, who was drafted 24th overall in 2024, took a significant step forward in 2025/26, increasing his numbers across the board to 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 29.0 minutes per game, with a .438/.381/.802 shooting line.
George’s modest breakout year should solidify his place among the Wizards’ young core as the team – which acquired veteran stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis prior to this season’s trade deadline – looks to become more competitive in 2026/27.
George, who made $2.97MM this season, has a guaranteed $3.11MM salary for next year, while the Wizards have until October 31 to make a decision on his $5.44MM team option for 2027/28. It’s safe to assume that option will be exercised, which will put the 6’8″ forward on track to become extension-eligible during the 2027 offseason. If he doesn’t sign a rookie scale extension at that time, he’d be eligible for restricted free agency in 2028.