Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 18
Trae Young Declines $48.97 Million Wizards Option, Hits Free Agency Monday
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 18

Trae Young Declines $48.97 Million Wizards Option, Hits Free Agency Monday

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 18

Summary

  • $48.97 million is the player option Trae Young plans to turn down for 2026-27, sending the Wizards guard into free agency on Monday.
  • Washington still enters as the front-runner to re-sign the four-time All-Star, though multiple teams are expected to pursue him once the market opens.
  • Young's leverage comes despite an injury-hit season: a sprained right MCL limited him to 15 combined games with Atlanta and Washington, where he averaged 17.9 points and 8.0 assists.
  • The Wizards traded for Young in January to lead a rebuilding roster, and they believe he and Anthony Davis can anchor a push toward playoff contention after three straight 64-loss seasons.

Insights

With the top pick, will the Wizards draft for talent with Dybantsa or for a perfect backcourt fit with Young?
Is Washington's massive investment in culture and two stars enough to overcome years of historically bad basketball?