Trae Young Leaves Door Open To Washington Wizards Extension

Trae Young left the door open to staying in Washington after his trade from Atlanta, telling Marc J. Spears, "I'm obviously always where my feet are... My feet are all here right now." He still carries a $49 million player option for 2026-27 and has played just 10 games this season while rehabbing a sprained MCL and quad contusion. The Wizards are 10-27 and hold a top-eight protected 2026 first-round swap with Phoenix, a detail that could limit how much Young sees the floor. Merlin sees a delicate balance. Young’s All-Star resume, 25.2 points and 9.8 assists in Atlanta, remains real, but health, fit and the Wizards’ draft protections will shape any extension talk. If he clicks with the city and stays healthy a long-term deal becomes believable. If not, the player option is a tidy exit.