Trae Young Declines Nearly $49 Million Contract, Enters Free Agency

Trae Young, who started last season aiming to prove he deserved a four-year, $229 million maximum contract, has decided to decline a nearly $49 million option and become a free agent.

Young's season was disrupted by an injury – in the fifth game, he suffered a medial collateral ligament sprain in his right knee and did not return until mid-December. While he was recovering, the Atlanta Hawks management began to trust new leader Jalen Johnson, and in early January, Young was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert.

With the Wizards, Young played only five games. Overall, in 15 games combined for Atlanta and Washington, he averaged 17.9 points and 8.0 assists per game. Despite the short stint, the Wizards organization still views Young as a cornerstone player and believes he could form a strong veteran duo with Anthony Davis, helping the team return to playoff contention.

Washington has lost at least 64 games each of the last three seasons and is looking for rapid improvement. The team already has several promising young players and is expected to add the No. 1 pick in next week's draft.

While the Wizards are considered favorites to retain Young, his free agent status will allow other teams to enter the race for the four-time All-Star.