Washington’s front office still does not know which contractual route four-time All-Star Trae Young intends to take, according to a report from The Athletic’s David Aldridge, Sam Amick and Josh Robbins.
Rival executives have largely expected Young to pick up his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but the report states that no decision has been made. The 25-year-old guard remains open to three scenarios: exercising the option, negotiating an extension with the Wizards, or opting out to test free agency this summer.
If Young declines the option and becomes a free agent, Washington plans to make an all-out push to re-sign him, determined not to lose a premier talent without compensation. Should he choose to pick up the option, the organization will reassess its next step, which could range from extension talks to exploring trade possibilities or simply letting him play out the final season of his contract.
Evaluating the fit
The Wizards want to see how Young meshes with their young core—Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson among them—before deciding whether he is a long-term piece. That assessment has been slowed by injuries: Young has appeared in only 10 games this season and is currently sidelined by a quad issue.
With a top-eight protected first-round pick in 2026, Washington has little incentive to rush the guard back. The club could limit his minutes the rest of the year, focusing instead on his potential impact in 2026-27 and beyond—a strategy similar to the one the Raptors employed with Brandon Ingram after acquiring and extending him last season.
The timeline remains fluid, but the franchise’s stance is clear: every option is on the table until Young makes his decision.
Source: Hoops Wire
