Trae Young, recently traded to the Washington Wizards, is reportedly open to signing an extension, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. The 27-year-old guard holds a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season and could use next year to evaluate his fit with the team.
Young’s arrival in Washington came via a January 8 trade with the Atlanta Hawks, ending his nearly eight-year tenure as Atlanta’s franchise cornerstone. In exchange, the Hawks received veteran guards CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks involved.
In Atlanta, Young averaged 25.2 points and 9.8 assists per game over his career and led the Hawks to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. This season, he appeared in 10 games, posting 19.3 points and 8.9 assists before a right quad contusion and knee MCL sprain sidelined him.
The Wizards view Young as a cornerstone for their young roster, aiming to pair him with prospects like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson. Washington currently holds the Eastern Conference’s 15th spot at 11-34, scoring 112.3 points per game while allowing 122.8.
Shelburne reports that both Young and the Wizards are receptive to an extension but could also allow him to exercise his player option next season as an evaluation period.
Young acknowledged his evolving perspective on the league, saying, “I came into a kind of similar spot that I did when I was a rookie, but I’m 27 now. I’m more mature now… I’m young enough where I can relate, but old enough I got enough experience.”
Atlanta’s move clears significant cap space and allows the franchise to pivot toward a younger core featuring Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu. McCollum and Kispert provide veteran scoring and spacing to help stabilize the Hawks’ roster.
The Wizards will rely on Young as the primary playmaker once he returns after the All-Star break. His presence could immediately impact Washington’s offensive efficiency, complementing Alex Sarr’s 17.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, and Kyshawn George’s 15.6 points per contest.
