The Washington Wizards raised some eyebrows this offseason when they committed a staggering amount of money ($212 million over four years) to star guard Trae Young in free agency.
It was an interesting move for a team that appears to be ready to rebuild, as Young will take up a big chunk of cap space for the team moving forward. As a result, the deal has the potential to age poorly.
Trae Young Named Most Overpaid Point Guard in NBA
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 24: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report recently named Young as the most overpaid point guard in the entire NBA, citing his poor defense and declining percentage from beyond the arc as main reasons for his inclusion atop the list.
“The Washington Wizards didn’t have to surrender a single draft pick to land Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, a dead giveaway that the league didn’t value him as anything close to a star. That makes Washington’s decision to hand him a four-year, $213 million extension all the more confounding,” Hughes wrote.
“Young has a track record as a powerful offensive engine, but his shoddy defense and history of rubbing teammates the wrong cut against his value. . . . Nobody else was going to pay Young like the Wizards did, and this contract has a chance to rate among the worst in the league if his three-point shooting, which hasn’t topped 34.0 percent in three of his last four seasons, continues to underwhelm.”
Other overpaid point guards on Hughes’ list include De’Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs and Ja Morant of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Trae Young’s Contract Was Named Worst Overpay of the Entire Offseason in NBA
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 24: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards speaks to the media prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Ever since he put pen to paper on his new deal, Young has been popping up on lists this summer. Last month, his contract was named the worst overpay of the entire offseason by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report.
“It’s a stunner. And a head-scratcher. When Washington aquired Young in January for the bargain-basement price of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, it felt like the Wizards were being opportunistic and allowing their young core to take a test drive with a clearance star. Six months and five appearances later, that whole discount thing is long gone,” Buckley wrote.
“… He is still really good on offense, but if he isn’t great on that end, then his limitations at the other grow a lot harder to handle. And the Wizards could have major regrets, especially when extension talks start happening with this fully loaded young core.”
Young assuredly isn’t happy about popping up on these lists this summer, but the good thing about sports is that he’ll have an opportunity to go out and prove all of his doubters wrong next season.
Washington Wizards Star Named Most Overpaid NBA Player At His Position