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NBA Free Agency: Washington Wizards Rumor Mill

By Matt Levin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 07: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 07: Cory Joseph #6 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 7, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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With free agency just days away, the news around the Wizards is spiraling. Here I put everything you need to know in one article.

Free agency is right around the corner and there are many questions surrounding the Wizards. The Wizards have multiple players set to hit the open market on June 30 at 6 p.m. and not enough cap space to re-sign all of them or replace them. With John Wall rehabbing his achilles injury, the Wizards need to take a step back next season to invest in young talent and clear cap space for 2020.

Here’s a breakdown of all the rumors and free agent options surrounding the Wizards:

Thomas Bryant

Thomas Bryant had a breakout year with the Washington Wizards last season. He averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting an insane 68.5 percent two-point percentage.

The 2017 second-round pick is now set to hit the open market. However, the Wizards have extended Bryant’s qualifying offer making him a restricted free agent. This means if Bryant signs an offer sheet with another team, the Wizards have the option to match it.

Bryant would love to stay in Washington. He stated that he loves the organization and said “they gave me an opportunity to play. Why would I want to leave?” The Wizards have made re-signing Bryant a top priority once free agency starts. Bryant could be looking at a multi-year deal worth around 10 million a year.

Johannes Voigtman

Johannes Voigtman is a German big man who played for Baskonia in Spain. The seven-footer announced on Instagram that after three years in Spain, he is leaving to pursue the NBA. The Wizards have reportedly expressed strong interest in Voigtman and are considered frontrunners to land him. Last season in the Euro League, Voigtman averaged 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Voigtman is also a member of the German National Team.

Wizard’s Free Agents

The Wizards have extended qualifying offers to both Bobby Portis and Tomas Satoransky making them both restricted free agents. The Wizards would like to re-sign both players. However, they could cost too much money.

Bobby Portis especially could likely be departing DC as he is reportedly asking for $16 million a year. Portis has also received interest from multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz.

The Wizards acquired Portis in the Otto Porter trade at last season’s trade deadline. In 28 games in DC last season, Portis averaged 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

Tomas Satoransky took John Wall’s place in the starting lineup when Wall got injured. Satoransky averaged 8.9 points and 5 assists per game while nearly shooting 40 percent from three.

The Wizards have also declined qualifying offers for Sam Dekker and Chasson Randle making them both unrestricted free agents.

Jabari Parker

As expected, the Wizards declined Jabari Parker‘s team option, saving the team $20 million. This will make Parker an unrestricted free agent when free agency begins. However, there is mutual interest between Parker and the Wizards for a new deal that would bring him back to Washington. It remains to be seen if the Wizards will accept Parker’s asking price or let him walk.

Parker was also acquired in the Otto Porter trade. In 25 games in DC, he averaged 15 points and 7.2 rebounds per game off the bench.

Cory Joseph

The Wizards are reportedly interested in pursuing backup point guard Cory Joseph once free agency begins. Joseph played on all 82 games for the Pacers last season where he averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 assists. Joseph could be a solid replacement plan for Tomas Satoransky if they fail to resign him.

Next. 3 Goals for Rookies Rui Hachimura. dark

Bradley Beal

The Wizard’s star shooting guard is not going anywhere. Bradley Beal recently stated that the Wizard’s front office told him he will not be traded, stating that they have been “transparent and that’s been great. They’re not keeping me in the dark about anything, even about the trade rumors.”

Beal has also said that he is open to discussing a contract extension with the Wizards. However, he stated that he has plenty of time to discuss and think about it. Beal currently has two years left on his five-year, $127 million contract.

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