The Washington Wizards are evaluating a potential contract extension for newly acquired point guard Trae Young, following his trade from the Atlanta Hawks. While initial reports suggested no immediate discussions, league expectations now point toward a deal similar to recent NBA trades. This move aims to bolster the team's young core without long-term commitment risks.
The Washington Wizards acquired Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade that preserved significant financial flexibility for the franchise. Unlike some high-stakes deals, the Wizards did not include an extension in the agreement, allowing them to assess Young's integration with their emerging talent. Young holds a $49 million player option for the 2025-26 season, providing an out if the fit proves unsuccessful.
Initial reporting from ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday indicated the Wizards were "not expected" to pursue an extension immediately. However, two days later, ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst noted a "strong expectation around the league" that negotiations would proceed, drawing parallels to the Toronto Raptors' acquisition of Brandon Ingram at last year's trade deadline. The Wizards hope Young can mentor their young players in a manner reminiscent of Chris Paul's impact on the 2019-20 Oklahoma City Thunder or Fred VanVleet's role with the Houston Rockets in recent years.
According to the Dallas Hoops Journal's Grant Afseth, Washington is eyeing a three-year extension valued at approximately $120 million, mirroring Ingram's agreement with Toronto. Such a deal would commence after Young's player option year, effectively adding two seasons at potentially lower annual costs—around $40 million per year—compared to his $49 million opt-in. Key details remain unclear, including whether the contract features team options, player options in the third year, or varying salary structures.
This approach balances opportunity with caution, as Young's diminished trade value prompted the Hawks to move him. An extension could signal deeper commitment, but the Wizards retain leverage to avoid past pitfalls of overvalued contracts.
