Trae Young to Decline $48.97 Million Option, Test 2026 Free Agency
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Washington Wizards guard Trae Young intends to turn down his $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season and become an unrestricted free agent, ESPN’s Marc J. Spears reported.
According to Spears, the 27-year-old remains open to re-signing in Washington on a new multiyear agreement after being acquired from the Atlanta Hawks at midseason. League chatter has suggested a potential three-year deal worth roughly $120 million, though Young is expected to draw interest from several teams once he hits the open market.
By opting out, the four-time All-Star effectively removes himself from immediate trade discussions. Over the weekend, multiple clubs were said to be exploring a deal for Young, but a trade would have been simpler for the Wizards had he exercised the option and entered 2026-27 on an expiring contract.
Young’s projected maximum contract stands at $212.9 million over four years with another franchise or $287.1 million across five years if he stays in Washington. A full max offer is considered unlikely following a season in which injuries limited him to 15 total games split between Atlanta and Washington.
In the 2024-25 campaign, Young averaged 24.2 points and a career-best 11.6 assists while appearing in 76 contests.
Source: Hoops Rumors
