The Washington Wizards have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity for a very long time, missing the NBA Playoffs in three out of the last four seasons.
The Wizards hired former Clippers’ GM Michael Winger as the President, and the Winger-era is likely going to be kicked off with major changes coming to the roster over the summer, according to Marc Stein.
“Pretty much every rival team I’ve spoken to is already expecting aggressive activity from the Winger-led Wizards.”
The Wizards may lose Kyle Kuzma in free agency this summer, with the star having rebuffed an extension during the season to see his value on the open market. Kristaps Porzingis could join Kuzma as a free agent, but he is unlikely to decline his $36 million player option. Bradley Beal is under contract for the next four seasons but also has a no-trade clause in his contract, which could make moving him problematic.
Can The Wizards Move The Needle?
Nobody looks at the Eastern Conference and thinks that the Wizards have a shot at major success. Their roster has been built in an awkward and inorganic manner, especially with most of their draft picks from the last eight years not panning out. Losing Kuzma this summer for nothing will be another blow to the franchise.
They don’t have any real cap space to reinforce their team like that, so they will hope to put together trade packages involving either the expiring Porzingis contract after he accepts his player option along with Deni Avdija and picks to get a real difference-maker on the roster. That would be the best way for Winger to make a statement, as moving Beal without his consent is a no-go, and that contract will hurt the Wizards’ financial flexibility until it’s over.
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