New Washington Wizards point guard Trae Young opened up about finalizing long-term plans to stay in The District
Summer League gave fans a chance to enjoy the unofficial debut of former top overall pick AJ Dybantsa with renewed optimism for the future of the franchise, yet Friday added a similar feeling after the Washington Wizards finalized the next stage of Trae Young's career.
After news broke in late June that Young finalized a four year contract extension worth roughly $212 million, the Wizards formally announced the new deal on Wednesday ahead of Friday's press conference.
The move was always expected to materialize ever since the Wizards acquired the four-time All Star from Atlanta ahead of the trade deadline, but what became unclear as the offseason progressed was what the details of the contract would materialize into. A one-time projected three year worth $40 million annually ultimately turned into a four year deal worth $53 million annually, while Young's new contract also includes an additional 7.5% trade kicker along with a player option for the final year of his deal.
The NBA's new anti-tanking rules played a role in Young's potential market, yet the move was also completed with "intentionality," as Dawkins described it, in how the front office looked to complete the rebuild.
As Young avoided free agency, Dawkins admitted that Young was "absolutely our top target" as the front office now looks to fill the last available roster spot ahead of the 2026-27 season. Young heads into his first full season with Washington leading all active players with 9.8 assists in his career, a skillset the veteran flashed in his exciting yet short stint with the Wizards last season.
It was clear to Dawkins why retaining the first of two trade acquisitions from the 2025-26 season was a priority.
"There's only one player in the last 50 years who's averaged 25 points and nine assists, and he's sitting to my right," Dawkins said of Young. "So I think he'll handle business on the court when the time is ready."
To Young, the outside criticism around the details of a deal much more expensive than many expected isn't new territory. "This aint the first time the whole league [has] been talking about me," Young added.
Yet for the Wizards' new point guard -- who could have become one of the top available free agents this offseason -- Washington grew to feel "like this could be my next home" to Young with a chance to play with arguably the most talented big he's been paired with in Anthony Davis, on a roster littered with young talent.
Young admitted 'relief' is an accurate description of his thoughts on the pairings in the frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis, Alex Sarr and Deandre Ayton, but signing with a franchise he knew valued him mattered in the process.
"For me, it's all about being comfortable where you're at because when you're comfortable, you're allowed to perform at your best and be [the] best version of yourself. That's what I want to do," Young said.
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