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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 22: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at State Farm Arena on October 22, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards executed the first trade in the NBA this season by trading for Hawks guard Trae Young. In doing so, they didn’t have to give up much in return, only sending CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta.
Young’s trade value is at an all-time low, which is why the Wizards were able to pounce on this opportunity. Right now, they sit 14th in the Eastern Conference standings. Only the Pacers are worse than them in the East. Adding Young will make them better.
Young has the opportunity to be a free agent at the end of the season. He has a player-option for $49 million next season. Despite that, the Wizards are reportedly working on giving Young a contract extension.
GettyAtlanta Hawks guard Trae Young celebrates. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Wizards Expected to Give Trae Young a Contract Extension
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon, there is a “strong expectation” that Washington gives Young a contract extension. Young likely won’t find many other franchises that are willing to give him the kind of money that he is looking for.
Young might not play much for the Wizards this season as he continues to nurse an injury. Another reason he might not play is so Washington can protect their first-round pick. They owe that pick top eight protected, so they need to make sure they keep that pick.
For Washington, this was a very low-risk trade. Young is still one of the best passers in the league and someone who can get hot in an instant. His defense is still a major problem, but his offense is good enough to get some fans excited about watching this team.
Young has been putting up the worst stats since his rookie season, so he needs to have a big improvement if the Wizards are going to be any good next year. Young likely won’t get a massive deal from any other team, so playing for the Wizards is the best chance for him to make as close to the max as possible.
GettyWashington Wizards center Alex Sarr passes the ball. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The Wizards Still Aren’t a Playoff Contender
Even though they now have Young, Washington still doesn’t have much shot of making the playoffs next year. They need some lottery luck this season if they want to change that outlook. Landing a top-three pick this season would give them a shot to start building towards a playoff contender.
Right now, the Wizards have the fourth-worst offense in the NBA. Young will boost that instantly and should have that number higher next year. Signing him to an extension would allow him to grow with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, along with whatever rookie they draft.
That core is one that could end up making the playoffs in a couple of years. Young must improve on the defensive end of the floor if they have any hope of actually winning in the playoffs, though.