Trae Young has not decided whether he will pick up his $49 million player option for the 2026/27 season, according to a report by The Athletic. The four-time All-Star is also open to negotiating an extension with Washington or entering free agency this summer, the story states.
If Young opts out, the Wizards intend to make a “full push” to re-sign him rather than letting him leave without compensation. Should he exercise the option, club officials plan to meet with Young and his representatives to gauge his satisfaction in Washington before choosing among an extension, another trade or simply letting him play out the final contract year.
Limited action likely in 2025/26
Young, 27, has appeared in only 10 games this season because of multiple injuries, most recently a quad issue. With Washington owning a top-eight-protected first-round pick in 2026, the franchise has little incentive to rush him back and could limit his minutes for the remainder of the season, The Athletic notes. The strategy would mirror how Toronto handled Brandon Ingram last year—acquiring him at the deadline, signing him to an extension, and holding him out until the following fall while the club focused on the draft lottery.
Evaluating the young core
Washington’s front office wants to see how emerging players Kyshawn George, Bub Carrington and Tre Johnson mesh with Young before committing to a long-term plan. Team officials are optimistic that Young’s playmaking can unlock the offensive ceilings of rookies such as 7-foot rim protector Alex Sarr—who could thrive in pick-and-roll situations—and wing scorer Johnson, who is expected to benefit from more open looks.
Defensively, executives believe the presence of Sarr and perimeter stopper Bilal Coulibaly can help offset Young’s shortcomings on that end of the floor.
Why a true point guard was targeted
Although George, Coulibaly and Carrington have handled the ball this season, George and Coulibaly are natural forwards, and some inside the organization view Carrington as more effective off the ball. That assessment pushed the front office to acquire a traditional point guard, culminating in the deal for Young.
Kispert dealt from a position of strength
Corey Kispert was respected internally for his professionalism, but team depth on the wing made him expendable in trade discussions, according to The Athletic.
Source: Hoops Rumors
