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Trae Young is staying in Washington for the foreseeable future.
According to ESPN, the four-time NBA All-Star intends to sign a four-year contract worth approximately $212 million with the Washington Wizards after declining his $49 million player option ahead of free agency. The agreement reportedly includes a player option in the fourth season and solidifies Young’s place as a centerpiece of the franchise’s rebuilding effort.
Young Chooses Stability in Washington
Young’s new contract falls short of the maximum extension he could have received from the Wizards, but it matches the largest deal he would have been eligible to sign with another team in free agency.
The 27-year-old guard reportedly made it clear earlier this year that Washington was his preferred destination following his departure from the Atlanta Hawks. By agreeing to the new deal, Young is reinforcing his commitment to helping guide one of the league’s youngest rosters.
The Wizards view Young as a foundational playmaker capable of accelerating the development of promising talents such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Bub Carrington.
Injuries Limited Young’s Impact Last Season
Young entered the 2025-26 campaign seeking to prove he remained among the NBA’s elite point guards, but injuries disrupted those plans. A sprained right MCL suffered early in the season sidelined him for several weeks and contributed to a campaign in which he appeared in only 15 games combined for Atlanta and Washington.
After being traded to the Wizards in January, Young played just five games for Washington. Despite the limited sample size, the organization saw enough to believe he can be a long-term leader for the franchise.
Across his eight NBA seasons, Young has established himself as one of the league’s premier facilitators, averaging 9.8 assists per game while earning four All-Star selections.
Wizards Believe Young and Anthony Davis Can Lead Turnaround
Washington’s front office has spent the past year reshaping the roster, and Young’s new deal is another major step in that process.
The Wizards also added veteran star Anthony Davis and believe the pairing of Davis and Young can provide the leadership and production necessary to push the team back into playoff contention.
General manager Will Dawkins previously praised Young’s ability to create opportunities for teammates, noting that his presence opens the floor and makes life easier for developing players.
Washington Locks In Its Franchise Point Guard
With the NBA Draft approaching and the Wizards holding the No. 1 overall pick, the franchise now has clarity at its most important position.
Rather than testing the open market, Young has chosen to tie his future to Washington, giving the Wizards a proven All-Star around whom they can continue building. The agreement provides stability for both sides and signals that the organization believes its rebuild is ready to take the next step.
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