Wizards’ Trae Young plans to opt out, test free agency

June 17, 2026

Trae Young appears ready to bet on himself.

According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, the Wizards star plans to decline his player option for next season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Young is headed elsewhere. In fact, all indications continue to point toward Washington remaining the favorite to keep him.

Per Spears, Young has been impressed by the Wizards organization since arriving in a midseason trade from the Hawks, and a return remains very much in play.

Still, opting out will allow the four-time All-Star to explore his options and gauge his value around the league.

And there should be interest.

Multiple reports in recent days have linked Young to potential suitors, though much of that speculation may now become irrelevant if he reaches a new agreement with Washington.

The Wizards acquired Young in January with the hope that he could help accelerate their rebuild while providing leadership for a young roster. Despite appearing in just 15 games this past season, he remains one of the NBA’s premier playmakers when healthy.

Young averaged 24.2 points and a career-high 11.6 assists in 2024-25 and is still just 27 years old.

The expectation around the league has long been that Washington and Young would eventually work toward a longer-term partnership.

Now, it appears those discussions are about to begin in earnest.

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