Trae Young is reportedly set to turn down his $48.97 million player option and enter free agency, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s planning to leave the Washington Wizards.
The timing might catch some off guard, especially with the Wizards’ recent momentum. The team not only brought in Anthony Davis but also landed the top pick in the NBA Draft Lottery.
Even so, Spears added that Washington is still seen as the favourite to re-sign Young, despite his decision to test free agency.
Why Trae Young is turning down his $48.97 million option
Marc J. Spears shared on Threads that the four-time NBA All-Star intends to decline the 2026-27 player option and hit the open market on Monday.
According to Spears, Young’s move is less about leaving and more about seeing what’s out there in the NBA market.
He’s expected to draw plenty of interest from teams with max cap space, giving him the chance to lock in a longer-term deal rather than playing out one final year.
Spears also noted that Young remains fond of both the Wizards and Washington, D.C., reinforcing the idea that this is more a business decision than a basketball one.
With another All-Star-level season under his belt, Young has the leverage to negotiate a new contract — and the option he’s declining is one he signed back when he was still with the Atlanta Hawks, before his move to Washington in the 2025-26 season.
Washington’s outlook is brighter than ever
Young’s decision comes at a time when the Wizards’ future is looking particularly bright.
The addition of Anthony Davis gave the team a legitimate co-star, and winning the draft lottery only added to the excitement.
BYU standout AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to be the top pick, which would give Washington an intriguing trio: a proven point guard, an All-NBA big man, and a potential generational talent.
That context makes Spears’ report even more meaningful. While Young is heading to free agency, all signs suggest the Wizards remain in a strong position to keep their franchise star as they prepare for what could be a transformative offseason.
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