
After ending one of the most injury-disruptive NBA seasons of his career, Trae Young has remained a talking point ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 27-year-old guard played just 15 games last season and was traded to the Washington Wizards mid-season. Recently, reports indicated that he planned to decline his $48.97 million player option, fueling widespread speculation about his future.
In his five games for the Wizards in 2026, Young averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 assists, 59.5% shooting in limited minutes. His arrival couldn’t affect the Wizards’ outcome, as they finished with the NBA’s worst record at 17-65 and missed the playoffs. However, the franchise viewed the Young acquisition as a long-term move rather than an immediate push for contention.
If the reports from Marc J. Spears are accurate, Trae Young will become a free agent heading to the 2026-27 NBA season. Declining the player option would allow Young to explore opportunities across the league. Opting out of his current contract will help him negotiate a more lucrative long-term deal with the Wizards or with another team.
BREAKING: Trae Young is opting out of his contract, per @MarcJSpears pic.twitter.com/eZLqsqeVvZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2026
While he has not made a formal commitment, Young has expressed optimism in staying with the Wizards. However, a player of his stature could also attract a max contract from other teams.
The report of Trae Young declining his player option has quickly gained traction. Many NBA fans have been debating on social media a possible landing spot for the Wizards star. Some fans even questioned his past comments about remaining in the capital city.
“Of course nobody chooses Washington,” one person wrote, suggesting Young will leave the Wizards.
Of course nobody chooses Washington.
— Ninerbug (@Ninerbug11) June 18, 2026
“Didn’t he say he wants to go to the Wizards, now what happened there?” an NBA fan questioned.
Didn't he say he wants to go to the Wizards, now what happened there?
— Avela (@AyveeZin01) June 18, 2026
“TRAE YOUNG IS GOING TO THE CELTICS,” one user made a bold claim on Young’s future.
TRAE YOUNG IS GOING TO THE CELTICS
— chris (@devoplee) June 18, 2026
“Sign and trade for De’Aaron Fox? ” an NBA fan speculated whether Young will join the San Antonio Spurs and help them take revenge on the New York Knicks.
Sign and trade for De’Aaron Fox?
— Grokapedia (@Grokuhpeediuh) June 18, 2026
“Wasn’t this guy saying wizards were gna be the top seed last week? Switching up this fast is crazy,” one person wrote.
Wasn’t this guy saying wizards were gna be the top seed last week? Switching up this fast is crazy
— Juno (@juno_whoo) June 18, 2026
Last week, Trae Young commented about the Wizards, suggesting Washington could be the top team next season. On the other hand, opting out of his player option has opened the door to his possible exit. While his reported contract move means Young will be able to test the free agency, it also indicates that the four-time NBA All-Star guard is looking for a long-term future in DC.
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