Washington Wizards: 3 free agent forwards to target
By Cem Yolbulan
Jalen McDaniels
The Philadelphia 76ers forward does not provide the size and strength the Wizards need in the frontcourt, but he certainly provides the length, athleticism, and defensive upside.
The 6’9 wing has the ability to play both forward positions and defend both smaller and bigger players. He has not developed as much on the offensive end but he hit 40% of his threes as a Sixer last season. He hasn’t performed as well in the playoffs, but the Wizards don’t need to worry about that any time soon.
McDaniels has the ability to blossom into a solid two-way forward. His younger brother Jaden is already one of the elite perimeter defenders in the NBA. The hope would be for Jalen to get to that level soon.
The Washington Wizards have the ability to provide him with the necessary role and playing time.
McDaniels is only 25 years old. Considering his physical and athletic tools, there is certainly intriguing untapped potential here. He is an unrestricted free agent and should be easily acquirable for less than the mid-level exception. Keeping in mind the scarcity of solid defensive wings, McDaniels should be tradeable on that contract regardless of how well his Wizards tenure goes. He is certainly worth a flyer.