Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 4 Free agent fixes for next season

By Jack Skolnik

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Maurice Harkless
Washington Wizards Maurice Harkless (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

1. Maurice Harkless

I was asked during our Mailbox Monday series who I believed was the best fit for the MLE and Harkless was a name I mentioned. Since then, I haven’t changed my mind. Let me explain why.

The Wizards defense is more than lacking and will need to improve if they want to be any good next season. The return of John Wall will help, but reinforcements on the defensive end will be needed.

I believe that the best use of the MLE for the Wizards is on a  defensively-minded veteran wing or a big. Harkless fits the bill.

Harkless is a long-armed wing standing at 6’9 with a wingspan at 7’2 and uses his length to be a pest on defense.

He can guard multiple positions, one through four, if needed and can interrupt passing lanes with his long arms. He is averaging 1.5 steals per 36 minutes this season.

He is the type of guy who could fit in on either unit for the Wizards as he is multi-dimensional on the defensive side and does not require a lot of touches on offense. Although not a great shooter, he is a solid slasher who could fit in nicely with the influx of shooting the Wiz already have.

Currently averaging 5.7 points and 4.0 rebounds this season playing with both the  LA Clippers and New York, Harkless probably will not be very expensive, either.

Harkless was essentially salary filler in the trade that sent Marcus Morris from New York to LA, which is a good sign that he’ll be available for less than the $11 million he’s making this season once he hits the open market in the summer.

If the Wizards can grab a Moe Harkless for less than the full MLE, the Wizards might be able to solidify a deep rotation for 2020-2021.

He may not be a headliner FA signing but he brings to the table what the Wizards lack the most, and that’s defense.

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