Wizards’ Trae Young to Decline Player Option, Explore Free Agency
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Washington Wizards guard Trae Young plans to forgo his player option for the 2025-26 season and enter unrestricted free agency this summer, according to ESPN’s Marc Spears.
The four-time All-Star, 27, was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in a January trade aimed at accelerating Washington’s rebuild. Although injuries limited him to 15 appearances with the Wizards, he still posted 24.2 points and a career-high 11.6 assists per game during the 2024-25 campaign.
Spears reported that Young has been impressed with the Wizards organization since the trade, and league sentiment continues to favor Washington as the leading candidate to retain him. Opting out will let the playmaker assess his market value before potentially negotiating a new deal with the club.
Several teams have been linked to Young in recent days, but that interest could fade if he and the Wizards reach a quick agreement once free agency begins.
Washington targeted Young for both on-court production and veteran leadership, and formal talks on a long-term contract are expected to start soon.
Source: Hoops Wire
