From opt-out to mega deal: Trae Young secures $212M with Wizards

It turns out Trae Young won’t be going anywhere.

Just days after he reportedly declined his $49 million player option, Young reportedly plans to sign a four-year, $212 million contract to remain with the Wizards, as the team looks to elevate itself into contention.

The Wizards also hold the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, whose first round is set for Tuesday, June 23.

Young, 27, played just 15 games last season and averaged 17.9 points and 8.0 assists per game. The Hawks traded him in early January, and Young played just five games for Washington, as he dealt with a quad injury. The Wizards, who were in a race for the bottom, also didn’t press the issue and were happy to let Young and Anthony Davis, another acquisition, recover from their injuries.

Now, the Wizards can pair Young with Davis, 2024 No. 2 overall pick Alexandre Sarr and whoever the franchise ends up with Tuesday night.

Young also has the chance to establish himself as the clear leader in the locker room, as the Wizards do have a trio of younger guards who could look to him as a model: Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington.

That could be magnified further if the Wizards opt to select Darryn Peterson out of Kansas with the top selection Tuesday night.

On the other hand, if Washington chooses to select AJ Dybantsa from BYU, Young’s play-making ability could free up Dybantsa to play off the ball more as a slasher.

Either way, the Wizards, who finished with the NBA’s worst record at 17-65, suddenly appear like a team that’s poised to make a leap in 2026-27.

Young, a four-time All-Star, led the NBA in assists two seasons ago with 11.6 per game.