Trae Young’s New Wizards Deal Sends a Clear Message About Washington’s Future

The Washington Wizards have secured star point guard Trae Young to a four-year, $212 million deal with a player option in the fourth year.

It comes shortly after Young declined his $49 million player option for next season on Monday, paving the way for him to land a massive contract from Washington.

Although there was some risk with the four-time All-Star hitting the open market, the Wizards seemingly always had the upper hand in retaining him on a new, long-term, lucrative deal.

Washington had acquired Young in early January in a blockbuster trade in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. He played in only five games with the Wizards last season, where he averaged 15.2 points and 6.2 assists, while shooting 59.5 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from beyond the arc.

The franchise is hoping to build its next chapter around Young and fellow trade deadline acquisition Anthony Davis to guide them back to playoff contention next season. The Wizards have assembled an improved roster that should make them a legitimate factor in the Eastern Conference.

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Young will have the opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the premier guards in the East after an injury-filled season that saw his reputation take a hit after how things transpired with Atlanta. He has the chance to elevate Washington toward a promising future ahead.

Meanwhile, the Hawks found success with their young nucleus, led by first-time All-Star Jalen Johnson, winning the Southeast Division title with a 46-36 record.