Trae Young is all set to sign a four-year, $212 million contract extension with the Washington Wizards.
The news of the impending extension has been blasted by analysts around the country, and ESPN insider Brian Windhorst has now labeled it one of the worst contracts in the league.
NBA Insider Brian Windhorst Blasts Trae Young Contract Extension
Young is coming off an injury-riddled season that saw him play just 15 games. The 6-foot-2 guard was traded to the Wizards in January amid a plummeting trade value, but played only 5 games for the franchise before back and knee issues forced him to miss the end of the season.
Amid concerns over Young’s offensive efficiency and defensive struggles, Windhorst has panned the Wizards for giving him a long-term commitment.
“This is instantaneously one of the worst contracts in the league. I’m sorry I said it that way. I don’t mean to be mean. I don’t think they can trade this contract unless they attach the No. 1 pick to it,” Windhorst said on “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective.”
Windhorst also pointed out how the Young went from struggling to generate much interest to getting a near-max-level extension. He also heaped praise on Young’s agents for landing him such a deal.
“Considering he was in a situation where the Hawks had decided that they were not going to have him on their team anymore and there was not that much interest in trading for him. That they were able to get him into a place where he got paid this amount of money. It is, I mean real talk here, I am not messing around. That was great. It is one of the great agenting moves I’ve seen in the last decade,” he added.
Still only 27, Young has plenty of time to recover from his injuries and turn things around. He will have a strong supporting cast in Washington, led by Anthony Davis and the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
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Throughout his NBA career, Young has averaged 25.1 points, 9.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. In 15 games last season, his average dropped to 17.9 points and 8.0 assists per game as he battled injuries.
Time will tell whether this deal is indeed as bad as many analysts claim. Young will certainly be determined to showcase his quality, and the Wizards are banking on him to lead their charge as they look to finally get out of the rebuilding mire and contend for a playoff spot this year.
