Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Still waiting for Wizards to make move in free agency

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19:Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis claps as Wizard forward Otto Porter Jr. is introduced by team President President Ernie Grunfeld during a press conference on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. The Washington Wizards matched the Brooklyn Nets 4-year, $106 million dollar offer and resigned the 24 year-old.(Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 19:Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis claps as Wizard forward Otto Porter Jr. is introduced by team President President Ernie Grunfeld during a press conference on Wednesday, July 19, 2017. The Washington Wizards matched the Brooklyn Nets 4-year, $106 million dollar offer and resigned the 24 year-old.(Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Before the clock even stroke midnight, teams around the NBA were making blockbuster moves. While the Washington Wizards remained quiet all night. What does that mean for the franchise, will they be able to get the “weapons” that John Wall requested?

The 2018 NBA Free Agency, was a night full of surprises. The first being that the Thunder signed Paul George to a four-year deal. Putting to rest, Washington Wizards fans fears of signing players to “one-year rentals”.

George’s deal with the Thunder rocked the NBA to its core. The unrestricted free agent signed a $137 million, 4-year max contract to remain alongside his friend, Russell Westbrook.

According to reports, OKC courted George all year round. It put another meaning to just getting your foot in the door. While the Lakers expected George to sign with the storied franchise, that door has now been shut.

Don’t underestimate the power of friendships of NBA players within the league.

Does that mean the Wizards can get a big player in the open market?

Here’s a breakdown of the tax that Washington paid in comparison with the other three luxury tax-paying teams for 2018-19, according to Real GM:

"“The Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards made luxury tax payments this season.The Cavaliers paid the most at $50.7 million, followed by the Warriors at $32.3 million, the Thunder at $25.4 million and the Wizards at $7 million.The Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks were surcharged for being below the minimum team salary.”"

The Wizards main priority is to re-sign Mike Scott. But as an unrestricted free agent, he has potential suitors around the league who could pay more than Washington. His stock has gone considerably up, after his breakout season here.

Wizards have to take a risk

Looking at the tax numbers above, the cap for teams like the Cavaliers is really treated like a soft cap. They go above and beyond.

Which means that the Wizards could offer Scott more than the taxpayer mid-level exception.

Yes, the tax bill got a bit higher for Ted Leonsis and a team that had a first-round exit.

But the Wizards are paying luxury taxes with two caliber teams who have made it to the NBA Finals for the past four years. Along with OKC, who are betting big that they can make it relatively soon.

The Wizards are paying taxes like the big boys, so they might as well take some risks.

Washington is not a small-market team. They have to take a risk this offseason to see some reward.

They’re already paying taxes like Finals contenders, they’ll have to make themselves into one.

It’s unclear as of 8:30 AM on Sunday, what moves the Wizards will make. But the ball is in Leonsis court.

For those who are arguing that the Wizards don’t have any cap space. It’s not an arbitrary line, but it’s one they can cross over if they really believe that they are a contender.

As the team is currently constructed, it’s not an Eastern Conference Finals contender. They can wait till the summer of 2019 to try to be one. Or they can try now.

Understandable that Washington doesn’t want to go too far over the line. Don’t want to throw more money into what got the Wizards into this position in the first place.

In that case, they may have to move some of your favorite players. No, it’s not Otto Porter, Jr., or anyone from the starting lineup.

Home/Wizards Free Agency