Washington Wizards NBA Free Agency 2016 Breakdown

The Washington Wizards haven’t made a move during the 2016 NBA Free Agency period yet, so who’s left to target?

Welp.

We’re almost through day one of NBA Free Agency 2016, or as I like to call it, Monopoly Money Time.

While fans of the Washington Wizards have either lamented, celebrated, or accepted Bradley Beal’s return for five years, just under $130 million, we have also watched several of the high dollar, highly-coveted free agents we’ve dreamed about for months – namely Hassan Whiteside, Nicolas Batum and Chandler Parsons – reach agreements with other teams.

We’ve also seen some astounding contracts as well, such as deals for Evan Turner and Timofey Mozgov, to name a couple.

Al Horford is still available, but it’s easy to think the Wizards may not be much in the mix there, and we all know that the team has all but struck out with Kevin Durant.

Hopes seem bleak, but I think there are still several routes the Washington Wizards could go to improve the team.

Maybe there’s no splashy superstar out there per se, but there are still plenty of opportunities.

This is clearly not an exhaustive list, but let’s explore a few guys that I kinda like at this stage (After re-reading this, I sure do like a lot of the available bigs).

UFAs (Unrestricted Free Agents)

Al Horford

I didn’t write about him when I started typing this, but with Dwight Howard signing with Atlanta for three years, $70.5 million, it would certainly seem that Horford’s days in Atlanta are done (unless they bring him back and trade Paul Millsap, which would make me giddy).

I know the OKC pitch is there, and there’s also Boston, Houston and Portland as well, but it’s possible the Wizards are still in the mix here.

Marvin Williams

Given the money handed out today, I don’t know what kind of money Marvin Williams will command.

He had maybe his best season in 2015-16, playing and starting in all but one game, playing solid defense on the wing and in the paint, and shooting 40% from three.

Was this contract year ballin’? I’m not sure, but he is probably the free agent I’d be willing to spend the most money on at this point if Horford becomes unattainable.

Kent Bazemore

The asking price for Bazemore is rumored to be in the neighborhood of $20 million. I wish it could baze less (Sorry – Had to).

I still really like him, but is this who you want to pay max dollars to with all the hard earned cap money you couldn’t give to KD?

Ryan Anderson

Ryno would be a good fit for the Washington Wizards, and the team sure seems enamored with him.

He could fill it up from range when on the floor with John Wall, but I just don’t see it for me.

Terrence Jones

If you guys have read any of my posts or tweets, you would know that I’m a bit irrational about Terrence Jones and Moe Harkless.

I wrote about him potentially being this offseason’s diamond in the rough.

I really think there’s some good basketball left from this kid, and I’m definitely for taking a chance on him.

Andrew Nicholson

With Rob Hennigan going bat sh*t crazy, the Magic have left themselves exposed to losing Nicholson, as they’ve even decided not to issue him a qualifying offer.

Well I’m interested.

He is very productive when he gets minutes and I was surprised to see him shoot 36% from three last season.

Ian Mahinmi

Per David Aldridge and others, the Wizards are interested in Mahinmi.

Washington, San Antonio and Minnesota in the mix for C Ian Mahinmi, who won’t return to Indy next year after Pacers’ deal w/Al Jefferson.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 2, 2016

Now this is interesting.

Mahinmi started all 78 games he played in this season, including seven in the playoffs.

A very effective, yet uninspiring player, while Mahinmi didn’t shoot much this year, when he did it was a 58.9% clip.

He’s a very solid defender. While only playing 26 minutes per game, his per-36 splits are pretty impressive: 13 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.3 steals. He’s a good player.

Is he willing to be a backup? Given that he’s talking to teams with starting centers firmly in place (unless Tim Duncan retires), it would certainly appear so.

He did average the most minutes per game this season and even that was well under 30, and maybe he’s comfortable with that. This would be a solid addition as a backup to Gortat.

Luol Deng

I know I read that the Wiz were in on Deng, but all has been quiet on that front today.

Deng shot 42% from three in the playoffs, and definitely showed that he could play the stretch in today’s NBA. He was a legit four last season, playing 73% of his minutes last season at the four.

Having proven he’s got a bit left in the tank, Deng would be a pretty nice veteran pickup.

Joe Johnson

NOBODY is talking about Joe Johnson, but he could be a nice veteran pickup for the Washington Wizards.

Much like Luol Deng, he has adjusted his game to playing the stretch (over 35% of his minutes at the four last season), and while his three-point shot has tailed off, he still can put it in in doses.

Matt Barnes

A veteran and a bully who will track you down if you mess around with his ex. He’s also still a pretty decent player to have for toughness and defense.

Willie Reed

I know, I know.

Playing DFS really has allowed me to know and recognize the “who the f%*& is that” guys.

RFAs (Restricted Free Agents)

Maurice Harkless, Allen Crabbe, Meyers Leonard – The Portland trio.

With the Blazers spending on Evan Turner and possibly hunting for even bigger game, it leaves them possibly exposed to losing one or more of their coveted restricted free agents.

I like all three of them, but I REALLY like Moe Harkless.

Either Harkless, Nicholson, or Powell would be great gets as promising young stretch bigs.

Crabbe is bound to be a sought after player, and is probably the one Portland is most likely to keep of the three. I’m pretty sure he’s crossing the $10+ million per year range.

I think Meyers Leonard is a good player, sort of a stretch five, but that injury he suffered really has me trepidacious. If Portland leaves him available, I’d check him out.

Dwight Powell

You know who loves Dwight Powell? Mock offseason guru Osman Baig does, that’s who. And for good reason.

He’s a very athletic young big, who I can see now catching oops from Wall and wreaking havoc if given 25 minutes or so. I would LOVE to see the Wizards get him, but with Dallas seeming to strike out as much as the Wizards, they may have the room to match all offers.

Dewayne Dedmon

I really like Dedmon. A true seven-footer, he played pretty well in Nikola Vucevic‘s absence last season, and averaged 13 points and 12 boards per-36 minutes, along with two blocks and a steal.

He also fouled out per-36, but don’t let that deter you. While Ian Mahinmi is a more polished player, I still think Dedmon would be a great pickup at backup center, and likely much less expensive.

Jared Sullinger

He sure finished the season rough, with Al Horford and Paul Millsap rendering him all but useless in the playoffs.

Still, the new Round Mound of Rebound has some very usable skills, and while I don’t necessarily want to pay $15 million a year for him, the Wiz would be remiss not to check him out. I

LOVE Amir Johnson too, but I’m not sure if he’ll be available. If he is, move him way up my list.

Langston Galloway

Galloway is a lunchpail guy who can play both guard spots. The Knicks are said to want him back, but he’s the kind of glue guy who would be great for the team.

Seth Curry

As much as I would love to have Steph’s brother on the team, Sacramento issued a qualifying offer and seem poised to bring him back. But if they don’t get on it, the Washington Wizards should.

Other names of intrigue – Miles Plumlee, Jonas Jerebko, Tim Frazier

Bring Back Your Own

Jared Dudley

The Wizards are hot for bringing back Jared, and maybe they’re even going to Jared to try to woo him back.

Wizards were first team to call Jared Dudley after free agency started, per sources. They want him back; other teams trying to pry him away.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 1, 2016

However, there’s competition for his services, including from the Utah Jazz, who have already met with him and are apparently going to have a second meeting. His price could get..pricy.

Garrett Temple

The King of Meh, but he’s our King of Meh. When no one else wants our money, Garrett will take it. I bet he’s back one way or another.

Tomas Satoransky

While technically not a bring back your own candidate as he’s never been on the active roster, I’ve become enamored with bringing Satoransky over.

David Statman told us a couple of weeks ago we should be excited for Tomas, and count me as a passenger aboard the bandwagon.

One of the top players overseas, it would seem that he could be one of the primary guards off the bench, and can play with Wall and Beal in stretches. I’m ready.

Alan Anderson

We’ve heard the rumors interest in bringing him back ever since the season ended. I guess.

More from Wiz of Awes

He was hurt most of the year so maybe with a healthy season and a new regime he could be a more valuable part of the rotation.

Actually, I remember him being a decent player in seasons past, so I’m OK with him coming back. Shouldn’t be terribly expensive either.

Trades

While it seems like there are no superstars via free agency, there are some intriguing names who could be available via trade.

Kevin Love

Haven’t heard much in a while here, but maybe he’s someone with whom the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking to unload.

Rudy Gay

So, I know Rudy Gay isn’t the most popular player or teammate in the world, but if Sacramento truly makes him available for trade, it wouldn’t hurt to kick the tires here.

FYI: There is a growing sense around the league the Kings are more than willing to trade Rudy Gay.
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) July 1, 2016

Gay has two years, and $27.6 million remaining on his contract, but the second year is a player option, and given the money we’re seeing given out, you’d have to think he’d opt out.

So one year, $13.3 million for a guy who, flaws and all, we know can play in this league, can score and play the four? I am not opposed.

Enes Kanter

Reports started circulating last night that Oklahoma City could make a play for Al Horford to bolster the team’s footing in the West and in the Kevin Durant Sweepstakes (probably one is contingent on the other).

In order to do that, they would need to free up some cap space, and it has been rumored that moving Enes was one potential way of doing it.

He’s owed a hefty three years, $53.6, but, much like Rudy Gay, the last year is a player option. Paying $17-18 million per year is a lot for a backup center, so I’m not a big fan of this, but it’s an option.

Greg Monroe

I don’t really like Greg Monroe, but I feel obligated to put his name here since he’s likely available.

That’s all I’ve got, folks. OK, that’s not fair. He can definitely score in the paint, but..man..I don’t know. I’m just not into him enough to really write much.

Danilo Gallinari

I’ve been a big fan of Gallo for a long time. I’m not even sure if he’s available, but I would love to find out.

Paul Millsap

Per above re: Horford, if the Hawks signed Howard with the intention of playing him with Horford, than that would possible make Millsap available.

Next: Wizards Have Interest In Top Euroleague Center

If that is the case, he moves not only to the top of my wish list, he moves to a new wish list article on why the Washington Wizards should acquire Paul Millsap.

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Washington Wizards Free Agency 2016: Complete Breakdown of Possible Remaining Targets

By Ward Watkins | Jul 1, 2016