Trae Young is expected to decline his player option in favor of a multiyear contract extension with the Washington Wizards.
The decision would secure Young's long-term future in Washington after a mid-season trade from the Atlanta Hawks during the 2025-26 NBA season. For the Wizards, locking the guard into a long-term deal provides roster stability and a franchise centerpiece around whom to build.
Young faces a player-option deadline of June 23, 2026 [4]. Reports indicate the option is valued between $48.9 million [2] and $49 million [1]. Young is expected to turn down this single-year amount to pursue a multiyear extension estimated at $120 million over three years [1].
The move comes as Young adjusts to his new environment in the U.S. capital. He has expressed a sense of being undervalued following his departure from Georgia.
“This is the most slept on I’ve been….” Young said.
He further emphasized his perceived lack of recognition regarding his impact on the court.
“I wasn’t this slept on,” Young said.
The Wizards are seeking to solidify their core as they transition into a new era of competition. By securing Young, the team avoids the risk of him hitting free agency or opting into a short-term deal that could leave the franchise vulnerable to another departure.
““This is the most slept on I’ve been….””
Young's pivot from a high-value player option to a long-term extension signals a mutual commitment between the player and the Wizards. By prioritizing a three-year deal over a single-year guarantee, Young is betting on his longevity and the Wizards' ability to build a competitive roster around him, while the team avoids the instability of a year-to-year contract for their star guard.
