The Milwaukee Bucks recently surfaced as an odd suitor in Atlanta’s Trae Young sweepstakes. The four-time All-Star makes little sense for the Bucks, either on the roster or financially. In any deal, they would be giving up far too much rotation fuel just to match Young’s $46 million salary. Whoever lands him, it’s likely they will only do so if confident Young will sign an extension there. He has a $49 million player option next season before hitting free agency.
Whether Young had any interest in the Bucks wasn’t clear. What’s clear now is that he’s set his sights elsewhere. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Young’s preferred destination is his consensus “best-fit” franchise, the move that makes the most sense for all involved. Washington Wizards, it could be your lucky day.
Wizards are match for Young that Bucks, others are not
Per Charania:
Trae Young has the Washington Wizards as his top preferred trade destination, sources tell ESPN. Atlanta is working to move Young, who has a $49 million player option in offseason that would make him an expiring contract; or opt out, leave and give Hawks significant cap space. https://t.co/LUm2hJCj1z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 7, 2026
A trade to Washington makes sense for a number of reasons. One, the Wizards would have no trouble matching Young’s salary with expiring contracts of their own. CJ McCollum is a lead candidate to be moved in a Young trade.
They also have a massive amount of cap space: Washington is $31.8 million under this season’s tax threshold and $36.6 million below the first apron. Absorbing extra money from Young’s contract would leave them with ample flexibility. Few contenders are in that position.
Feb 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) takes a shot over Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic (00) during the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The Wizards could also use both leadership and talent to guide their slew of youngsters from the wilderness of an extensive rebuild. While McCollum and Khris Middleton also offer veteran mentorship, they lack the playmaking or juice to lead the offense.
If it’s the Wizards Young wants, to Washington he may very well go.
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