2020 NBA Free Agency: Grading all four moves the Washington Wizards made on day two
By Ethan Smith
Free Agency Move #4: Garrison Mathews accepts Qualifying Offer
The Wizards’ fourth and final move on the second day of free agency went into motion on Wednesday night before the draft. For those of you that wanted more of the professional shooter, Garrison Mathews, don’t worry. He’s coming back to D.C. on a two-way deal.
The Wizards had initially extended Mathews a qualifying offer on Wednesday, first reported by Fred Katz of The Athletic. It wasn’t until Saturday night, though, that we knew for sure that Mathews would be making a return.
Restricted free agent guard Garrison Mathews will sign his qualifying offer and return to the Washington Wizards, his agent @ChrisPatrickJr tells Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 22, 2020
The Wizards are now 2/2 when it comes to retaining their shooters from last season. After re-signing Davis Bertans to a five-year, $80 million deal, the Wizards now have another flame thrower locked in for the 2020-21 season.
Although Mathews didn’t make the type of noise that Bertans did last season, he had some explosive performances. In a December win over the Miami Heat, Mathews had 28 points while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. He made four of his seven attempts from long range. Two games later, in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Mathews had 18 points while shooting 66.7 percent. That night, he made five of seven from beyond the arc. Injuries eventually derailed Mathews’ season. If he can stay healthy, he could be a shooting star in the making for the Wizards.
We only saw glimpses of what Mathews might be able to do. But those glimpses were glorious enough to warrant a second chance, especially at such a low price. Mathews’ two-way deal only includes $50,000 worth of guaranteed money.