What happened: Veteran guard D'Angelo Russell has exercised his $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Jake Fischer reported Friday. The 30-year-old is set to stay with the Wizards, who acquired him in a trade on Feb. 5.

Why it matters: Picking up the option locks Russell into Washington's backcourt rather than testing free agency for a veteran guard coming off a midseason trade. It gives the Wizards continuity and cost certainty at the position heading into the 2026-27 season.

What to watch: Watch whether Washington views Russell as part of its long-term core or as a tradable expiring contract once the new league year opens.