Trae Young declines $48.9M option — free agency move likely leads back to Wizards

Washington Wizards star Trae Young has declined his $48.97 million player option for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, electing to test free agency for the first time in his career.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Young’s decision to opt out did not come as a surprise to league insiders. Many expect him to ultimately re-sign with the Wizards on a lucrative three-year deal.

Young’s journey to Washington began after he suffered a sprained right MCL in just the fifth game of the season, sidelining him until December. During his absence, the Atlanta Hawks discovered a new sense of cohesion and success, led by young stars such as Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels. The Hawks ultimately decided to shift their focus toward developing this new core of players and declined to offer Young a four-year, $229 million maximum extension, paving the way for his eventual trade to the Wizards.

The Wizards acquired Young with the hope that he would become their franchise cornerstone and provide the leadership needed to transform the team’s fortunes, particularly alongside fellow superstar Anthony Davis, who joined the roster last season.

Washington owns the No. 1 pick in next week's draft, where they're expected to select either BYU wing AJ Dybantsa or Kansas' Darryn Peterson.