It's happening! A massive shake-up in the NBA—another superstar enters free agency.

Just as he was envisioning a title run in D.C., he's now opting out of the $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season...

Yes, "New York's Mayor" Trae Young is preparing to enter free agency, speeding up this chaotic summer.

In January of this year, Trae Young left the Hawks after eight seasons, swapping teams with CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert in a trade to the Wizards. Last season, Young played just five regular-season games for Washington, averaging 15.2 points, 3 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in 20.8 minutes per game, shooting 59.5% from the field, 42.9% from three, and 70.8% from the free-throw line.

Of course, opting out doesn't necessarily mean Young is leaving Washington. Sources say the Wizards are still his top choice in free agency, but multiple teams are expected to offer him a maximum contract to lure him away.

Trae Young is eligible to sign a three-year, $156.9 million extension with the Wizards before June 30. However, reporter Stein previously indicated that Young's extension is expected to be worth around $120 million over three years.

Born on September 19, 1998, the point guard stands 1.88m tall with a 1.91m wingspan. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft.

During his time with the Hawks, Young was a four-time All-Star, once led the league in assists, and led the team to the playoffs three times—including the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals when he was just a third-year player.

That said, the Wizards don't necessarily have to keep Young, as they hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft. They could use it to select combo guard Darrin Peterson from Kansas University (1.94m tall, 2.07m wingspan), who averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game as a freshman. Team legends John Wall and Gilbert Arenas have backed this idea.

Peterson seems highly confident about being the No. 1 pick in 2026. So far, he has only worked out for the Wizards and turned down a tryout with the Jazz, who hold the No. 2 pick this year.

In short, the 27-year-old Trae Young is once again at a career crossroads. Only time will tell where he ends up.