ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst couldn’t keep a straight face while addressing Washington Wizards guard Trae Young’s $212 million extension. Young declined a $49 million player option in favor of a four-year, $212 million deal, making him the Wizards’ franchise cornerstone ahead of the NBA Draft, where Washington owns the first overall pick.
Windhorst, while discussing Young’s extension, called it’s one of the NBA’s worst deals, he said, per ESPN’s Hoop Collective.
“I think this is instantaneously one of the worst contracts in the league. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I said that — I’m sorry I said it that way,” Windhorst said. “I don’t think they could trade this contract unless they attach the number one pick to it.”
Assuming the Wizards will want to trade Young before his four-year deal expires, Windhorst believes they’re going to have a hard time trying to move it in the near future. The first year of his extension is worth $49.5 million, with the final two seasons, including 2028-29, is worth $54.4 million, and the final year of his contract, a player option, is worth $56.9 million in 2029-30.
Wizards cement Trae Young as pillar for rebuild
While the figures of Wizards guard Trae Young’s contract is jarring for ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the extension itself doesn’t come as a surprise. The Wizards traded for Young knowing what to was expected during the offseason — a hefty contract extension — which is mostly why the Hawks wanted to part way with the veteran guard.
The Wizards traded Young knowing he’d be a flight risk without a new deal, as Windhorst noted, per ESPN’s Get Up.
“When Trae Young was traded in January, it came with the understanding that he would opt out of his contract,” Windhorst said. “It also came with the understanding that he wouldn’t play for the rest of the season. …He may take a meeting or two, just for appearances sake. He’s going to re-sign with the Wizards, likely on a three-year, very large contract.”
The Wizards will cement another pillar for their future when they select the first overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft on Tuesday.
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