As NBA insider Marc Stein previously reported, the Washington Wizards are the top suitor for Trae Young. Stein's counterpart, Jake Fischer, wrote on Wednesday that if a trade happens, he could see the Wizards offering the guard an extension (subscription required) in hopes of avoiding the scenario where he'd pick up his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Washington has the cap space to absorb Young's salary, even if he picks up his option. The front office should push for additional draft capital from Atlanta to prepare for the possibility that he will do that.