The Washington Wizards entered this NBA offseason with hopes of turning a page in franchise history, leaving behind their brutal tank for a new form of competitive basketball. After trading for four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young in January, both sides were eager to secure a long-term deal that would allow Young to become the franchise star and lead this team back to the postseason for just the second time this decade.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, just one week after declining his nearly $50 million player option in favor of resigning a long-term contract, the 27-year-old intends to sign a new four-year contract with the Wizards, ushering in a new era for Washington ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season.
The Washington Wizards Secure Long-Term Contract With Trae Young Before NBA Draft
Young has been in a media frenzy since the Washington season ended, talking about just how excited he is for the upcoming season and how much hate Young has been dealing with. With this new four-year deal, Young will have plenty of time to silence the haters while becoming a leader and mentor to one of the most intriguing young cores in the NBA today.
While the sample size was small, Young played elite basketball during his first five games in a Wizards uniform. In just 20.8 minutes of action, he averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 assists, and three rebounds, all while shooting career-high marks from the field (59.5%) and behind the arc (42.9%).
BREAKING: Trae Young intends to sign a four-year, approximately $212 million deal to stay with the Washington Wizards, with a player option in Year 4, sources tell ESPN. The four-time NBA All-Star declined his $49M player option for a long-term commitment ahead of free agency. pic.twitter.com/BAGANqomo0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 22, 2026
Young’s New Contract
As mentioned, Washington wanted Young as much as Young wanted to be in D.C. The guard’s new contract cements that claim in ink. As mentioned, the contract is four years, giving both sides time to adjust fits and schemes to maximize their contention aspirations as Young enters the prime of his career.
The deal is worth $212 million, which means the guard will make over $50 million per season, not including incentives. Additionally, similar to his last contract, Young will have a player option for his fourth year, meaning he could enter free agency before the 2029-2030 NBA season.
Young was up for a massive extension heading into the offseason, and the Wizards could’ve paid him just under $230 million. Instead, the Wizards and Young’s camp settled on the max that any other team would’ve been able to sign him for, which could provide Washington with a little extra money during the free agency period.
Moving Forward
After reclaiming the eight-year pro, Washington has officially moved into the Young-Anthony Davis era. With contention in mind, Washington has a few more key points in the offseason, which could add even more firepower to the impressive roster overhaul they completed last season.
With the number one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Washington can add a potential superstar to its ever-growing young core. Potential selectees AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson would add elite scoring to pair with Washington’s all-around offensive weapons before moving into free agency for a few veteran bench pieces to help guide the Wizards as the postseason comes around.
While retaining Young is a giant step in the right direction, Washington can’t get blinded too early. This is still an overwhelmingly important offseason for the franchise, and could be the reason they sink or swim next season.
The Last Word
Young resigning with the Wizards begins what will (hopefully) be a long and successful relationship. Now, the front office must continue what they’ve been doing, drafting high-potential prospects with immediate impact in mind. With high hopes, this new-look Wizards team can be dangerous.
The Eastern Conference may be losing some star power as trade rumors progress towards deals, and that could propel this team to heights it hasn’t seen since the 1970’s. Regardless of what happens, Washington has secured their next franchise great; now it’s all about fleshing the roster out.
Featured Image: Brad Mills-Imagn Images
