Trae Young to sign four-year, $212 million deal with Washington Wizards
The agreement includes a player option in the fourth year and represents the maximum value Young could secure outside of Washington, despite being below the league’s maximum for the Wizards.
Free agent Trae Young intends to sign a four-year contract worth approximately $212 million with the Washington Wizards, according to sources speaking to ESPN on Monday. The deal includes a player option for the fourth year and marks a significant commitment from the four-time NBA All-Star, who declined a $49 million player option with the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the day.
The agreement was reached between the Wizards and Young’s representatives, including CAA’s co-head of basketball Aaron Mintz, agents Ray Young, Andrew Morrison, and co-head of basketball Austin Brown. While the total value is below the maximum contract Young could have secured while remaining with Washington, it equals the maximum he could have obtained with other teams in the league.
Young’s move to the Wizards was precipitated by a trade request in January, where he stipulated that he would only accept a deal to Washington. The Hawks subsequently traded him in early January for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. Young had entered the previous season aiming to prove his worth for a four-year, $229 million extension, but a sprained right MCL suffered in the fifth game of the season limited his availability.
During the 2025-26 season, Young played five games for the Wizards and 10 for the Hawks, averaging 17.9 points and 8.0 assists across 15 combined appearances. He has averaged 9.8 assists per game over his eight-year career, a statistic the Wizards hope to leverage as they build around their emerging roster.
Washington general manager Will Dawkins cited Young’s playmaking ability and shared motivation with fellow acquisition Anthony Davis as key factors in the decision. Dawkins noted that Young draws significant defensive attention, which he believes will free up the team’s young core, which includes Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley, Bub Carrington, and the franchise’s upcoming No. 1 draft pick.
The Wizards acquired Davis last season and believe the pairing of Young and Davis can form an All-Star duo capable of elevating the franchise to playoff contention. Dawkins expressed confidence in the group’s drive, stating that both players have reasons to compete fiercely, with Young having left Atlanta under contentious circumstances and Davis having played for two teams in two years.
