2020 NBA Free Agency: 3 Realistic centers for the Washington Wizards
By Ethan Smith
Realistic Option #2: Willie Cauley-Stein
Earlier this week, it looked like Willie Cauley-Stein was going to opt-in to his $2.2 million player option with the Dallas Mavericks for next season. Now, that’s not the case.
Even though he opted-out, Cauley-Stein may have an interest in staying with Dallas but is looking for more money. His option is only worth a touch over the minimum he could make next season — $1.9 million. However, even if there is a mutual interest, it might be hard for Dallas to find room in their frontcourt for Cauley-Stein. They already have Kristaps Porzingis, Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, and Boban Marjanovich.
The Wizards should swoop in and steal Cauley-Stein from Dallas’s crowded frontcourt. Although he’s looking for a raise, Cauley-Stein should still be available for relatively cheap. This would be a great target to use their $3.6 million bi-annual exception on.
His rim-running style would translate well on the Wizards roster. Offensively, Cauley-Stein plays well in the pick and roll as a mobile roll man and a serious lob threat. Plus, he has some solid switching ability on defense and would instantly be the team’s best rim protector. Cauley-Stein split last season between the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. Each team’s defensive rating was at least five points better with Cauley-Stein on the floor. His 5.0 block percentage from last season would have led the Wizards.