The Washington Wizards gave Trae Young a four-year, $212.8 million extension this summer that looked like a vast overpay, and the franchise must learn that every dollar matters when discussing a rookie extension with Bilal Coulibaly. The seventh overall pick in 2023 has shot just 31.3 percent from 3-point range and had a negative value over replacement player (VORP) in his first three seasons. The Wizards cannot afford to hand out another massive contract.
Washington is just $8.4 million under the tax heading into this season. Anthony Davis needs an extension if the Wizards plan on keeping him. His media day comments complicate the situation, but the franchise will have to pay the superstar. Coulibaly becomes a restricted free agent next summer if a new deal isn’t done. The following year, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George all need new contracts.
Teams get expensive quickly in the modern NBA, and every dollar counts. Most franchises are treating the second apron like a hard cap. The Celtics, Thunder, and Knicks have all shed salary to avoid it shortly after winning the championship. Washington has tough financial decisions to make, and it starts with Bilal Coulibaly’s extension.
Bilal Coulibaly extension talks are complicated, but Wizards have the edge
Coulibaly is 22 years old and has already showcased some improvement. He is far from a finished product. Finding a 6’7 wing with his upside isn’t easy, but the lack of shooting makes his offensive role questionable. Coulibaly has shown some playmaking ability, but he is far from a number one option. It won’t be easy to make him fit on a contender unless his shooting makes a leap.
The Wizards have the edge in contract talks. If Coulibaly is asking for a massive number, Washington can push things into restricted free agency. Fans have seen that the team has a significant advantage there because opposing teams don’t want to tie up their cap space for multiple days with an offer sheet. This would let the Wizards extend, trade, or force Coulibaly into taking the qualifying offer.
Washington has to decide how much it values Coulibaly. They can’t keep Trae Young and Anthony Davis with Coulibaly, Sarr, Carrington, and George. AJ Dybantsa and Tre Johnson will need to be paid after that. The Wizards simply won’t have the funds to stay under the second apron. Coulibaly’s lack of shooting could make him the odd man out.
Trae Young’s contract puts the squeeze on Wizards’ young talent
Young is making $49.4 million this season, and his contract ascends to $58.3 million in 2029-30. He is making roughly 30 percent of the salary cap for the entire deal. That is a massive chunk of the payroll when the Wizards are trying to retain their young core.
The commitment means the Wizards are building around Young. Fans know his defensive struggles and ball dominance force his team to put the right pieces around him. Young acknowledged his weakness and has a plan to limit it, but his size will hold him back.
The Wizards gave Young a bag, but it instantly made it more difficult to build around him. Signing Ice Trae at $40 million per year would have made room to keep another piece of the young core. It is those small discounts that make the roster better.
With Young on a massive deal, the Wizards have to play for right now. That means avoiding a massive contract that is based on what could be.
Wizards can’t afford to overpay for future production
Marc Stein reported Washington and Coulibaly have mutual interest in an extension (subscription required), but had no more intel beyond that. He didn’t name the 6’7 wing as one of the four players most likely to get a new deal done. The two sides have until Oct. 19 at 6 pm ET to agree on a contract. If they don’t, Coulibaly becomes a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
The Wizards have to play it smart here. They cannot afford to give Coulibaly $20-plus million per year in hopes he turns into one of their core pieces. Washington needs to pay for what he can offer right now. Their offer should be for less than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception annually. That is the fair price for a defense-first wing who has never produced a positive VORP.
Overpaying Trae Young put the Washington Wizards in a tricky financial position already. They still have a young roster with potential. The front office can’t keep repeating the same mistakes. Every dollar counts in the modern NBA. They overpaid for Young and can’t give Bilal Coulibaly a penny more than he’s worth.
This one may go to restricted free agency. Coulibaly can see what other teams are offering and maximize his value. The Wizards have the upper hand because they can match any offer sheet. It is the simplest solution unless Coulibaly wants to take a team-friendly deal now. That would be a win for Washington, but fans certainly can’t count on it. Hopefully, the Wizards are smart and don’t overpay again.
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