Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: 4 free agent big men to target

By Cem Yolbulan

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers rebounds the ball against Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers rebounds the ball against Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Paul Reed

The 24-year-old back-up center of the Philadelphia 76ers is on the market and he could be one of the most undervalued big men in the league. BBall Paul has been behind Joel Embiid in the rotation ever since he came into the league in 2020, and due to the incredible MVP-caliber seasons Embiid had the past three years, Reed hasn’t had the opportunity to shine.

Yet, even in the limited minutes he has received as a Sixer, Reed has been able to impress with his athleticism, versatility, and defensive chops. Despite playing in 69 games last season, he averaged only 10 minutes per game, due to his inability to play next to Joel Embiid. There is a cap on how many minutes anyone can play as strictly a backup to one of the best players in the league.

Therefore, Reed could be acquirable for the Wizards. More money and more playing time would presumably be attractive to Reed.

However, he is a restricted free agent and the Sixerscano match any offer sheet. Even if Reed wanted to come to the Wizards, Philadelphia may choose to retain him as a valuable backup center. Washington should nevertheless try to lure him. An annual salary of nearly $10 million might be too rich for Philadelphia to match.

Reed is precisely what the Wizards need on paper. He can switch, guard multiple positions, and protect the rim, providing valuable versatility to the Wizards. In a larger role, Reed has the potential to outplay his contract and either be a valuable trade asset or a core piece for the Wizards.

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