The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft, and insiders are whispering that the franchise is quietly building something dangerous. But according to league sources, the real bomb waiting to detonate isn’t the draft — it’s the potential $120 million contract extension that star point guard Trae Young is reportedly on the verge of signing.
NBA insider Marc Stein dropped the bombshell on his Substack, projecting that Young’s new deal with Washington could land in the neighborhood of $120 million over three seasons. The kicker? Young has until June 23 — the first night of the draft — to either activate or bypass his player option. If he bypasses it, he’s eligible for a three-year extension worth nearly $160 million through June 30. Sources close to the situation claim the Wizards’ front office is sweating out every minute of that clock.
A Lethal Duo — Or a Fragile Gamble?
Young, a four-time All-Star who led the NBA in assists in 2024–2025, was limited to just five games last season due to a string of injuries. In those games, he averaged 15.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. That production, while solid, hardly screams “max money” — especially for a guard entering his age-28 season with a history of nagging ailments.
But the Wizards are reportedly betting big on a Young–Anthony Davis partnership. The potential starting five — Young, Kyshawn George, AJ Dybantsa (the consensus No. 1 pick), Davis, and Alex Sarr — has fans buzzing. One league insider told us, “If that group stays healthy, you’re looking at a top-four seed in the East. If not, it’s a full rebuild by Christmas.”
The Pressure Is On
Young has publicly expressed optimism about the roster Washington is assembling. But behind the scenes, sources say there’s tension brewing over the exact structure of the extension. The reported $120 million figure is actually lower than what Young had been accustomed to in Atlanta, which has some observers wondering whether the Wizards are trying to get a discount — or if Young’s camp is pushing for more.
Either way, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Washington acquired Young midseason from the Hawks in a deal that sent CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to Atlanta, a move that was seen as a massive gamble at the time. Now, with the draft clock ticking, the Wizards are reportedly working feverishly to lock in their franchise point guard before another team can swoop in.
Young is expected to start over Bub Carrington and D’Angelo Russell, but nothing is guaranteed. As one anonymous scout put it: “Trae’s talent is undeniable. But $120 million for a guy who played five games last season? That’s a swing — and if it misses, it could set the franchise back years.”
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