Before the 2026 NBA free agency floodgates open up, the Washington Wizards are making sure that a team like the Chicago Bulls won’t get a chance to talk to Trae Young about a deal.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Wizards agreed to a brand new four-year contract with Young. The deal is worth around $212 million, with a player option in the fourth season.
Considering Young was set to be one of the top guards in free agency, that takes a key player off the board, doing a favor for a Bulls veteran.
Chicago Bulls $70 Million Guard Moves Up Ranks After Trae Young News
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – MARCH 05: Collin Sexton #2 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball against Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on March 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bulls defeated the Suns 105-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Chicago point guard Collin Sexton has one of the most expensive deals at the position expiring in July.
Over the past four seasons, Sexton made $70.9 million. He signed the deal in 2022 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, getting sent to the Utah Jazz in a trade.
Sexton had a stop in Charlotte before finishing the 2025-2026 NBA season with the Bulls.
Outside of Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, Sexton had the second-highest AAV for point guards at $17.7 million. He ranks within the top five for the entire guard position, only including the current unrestricted players.
The Trae Young Effect
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 22: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on from the bench during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Capital One Arena on January 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Take one of the top guards off the board for point guard-needy teams in free agency, and you could potentially take the Wizards out of the picture for Sexton.
Sexton will likely have a difficult time finding another suitor to hand over $70-plus million, but he should have some decent demand from competitive clubs.
With Young off the market, Sexton moves up the ranks.
Collin Sexton’s NBA Career
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Chicago Bulls goes to the basket against Bub Carrington #7 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In 2018, Sexton was a first-round pick out of Alabama. The Cavaliers took Sexton eighth overall in the NBA Draft.
For four years, Sexton was a cornerstone player for the Cavs, forming a stellar backcourt duo with Darius Garland. Eventually, the Cavs broke up the backcourt by trading for Donovan Mitchell.
Sexton went to the Utah Jazz for three seasons. On the Jazz, Sexton averaged 17.5 points and 4.2 assists.
During his 42-game showing in Charlotte, Sexton produced averages of 14.2 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 rebounds. He was traded to the Bulls, where he averaged 17.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. The veteran guard shot 48.2% from the field and 41.0% from three.
The Bulls aren’t expected to prioritize re-signing Sexton, but it shouldn’t be ruled out right now.