Trae Young is set to decline his $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season and enter unrestricted free agency, according to Marc J. Spears. The four-time All-Star is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, while the Washington Wizards remain the front runner to retain him.
“I’m hearing that Trae Young plans to decline his $48.97 million player option for the 2026–27 season to become a FA on Monday, sources,” Spears wrote. “Washington remains the front runner for the four-time NBA All-Star as he loves the team and DC, but he still expects multiple team max interest.”
Young’s decision opens another chapter in a complicated offseason for Washington. The Wizards acquired the 27-year-old guard from the Atlanta Hawks on January 9 in a deal centered around CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, ending Young’s eight-season run as Atlanta’s offensive centerpiece.
The move came as Washington continued its rebuild after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 17-65 record, the worst mark in the Eastern Conference. The franchise also holds the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, with prospects including AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer viewed as potential foundational pieces.
Young averaged 17.9 points and 8.0 assists in 15 games between Atlanta and Washington this past season, shooting 45.8% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. His production came in a reduced role, as he averaged 25.6 minutes per game after averaging 36.0 minutes the previous season.
Across his eight-year NBA career, Young has remained one of the league’s most productive offensive guards. He has averaged 25.1 points and 9.8 assists over 498 games, including a 2022-23 season where he posted 26.2 points and 10.2 assists per game.
Several teams have monitored Young’s situation, with the Miami Heat among those exploring possible trade scenarios, according to Jake Fischer. Miami finished the 2025-26 season 43-39 and earned a play-in spot, while also pursuing a potential blockbuster move involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.
