Heading into the 2025-2026 NBA season, Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks failed to get a contract extension completed. That was the first sign that suggested the Young era in Atlanta could be coming to a close.
Months later, the Hawks got on the phone and struck a deal with the Washington Wizards. Young is headed to the nation’s capital to become a face of the Wizards.
As the two teams work on finalizing the deal, Young’s contract instantly comes to mind. While he’s likely headed to Washington, DC with the idea of sticking there long-term, his deal could still expire this summer.
Will a Long-Term Deal Get Done?
It’s way too early to tell. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported shortly after the deal that both sides are certainly “open” to an extension. However, it’s “not top of mind.”
“In other words, Young can evaluate the situation/market, too,” Shelburne added. “Wizards have a good young core of Sarr, Coulibaly, Johnson, George. So everyone can see the fit next to them over the next season or two.”
Young is currently in the midst of a five-year deal with the Hawks. He’s making an estimated $46.3 million in 2025-2026. When he reaches the offseason, he’ll have to decide on picking up or declining the $48.9 million player option for the 2026-2027 season.
That deadline is on June 29.
Patience will be key for Young and the Wizards. As Young is dealing with multiple injury concerns, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be on the court right away. Washington will likely give him ample time to recover, as they are outside of the postseason picture in early January.