After weeks of speculation, the Washington Wizards finally made a signing, albeit not the one fans were looking for. Amid clamor for the team to chase after a veteran free agent for their last roster spot, Washington instead made a move to sign guard Alondes Williams to an Exhibit 10 Deal. He will likely replace Jamir Watkins on the team, after Watkins tore his ACL at NBA Summer League.
It’s unlikely, but possible, that the guard’s signing could sway the team away from looking to sign another guard and towards improving their wing depth. The Wizards lack defensive depth at the forward position to improve upon the NBA’s worst defense last season. Proven defenders like Bruce Brown and Ochai Agbaji still sit on the market, waiting to be signed.
If Williams can serve his role for Washington and lead them towards bolstering their greatest weakness, his signing will be a huge win for the team.
The Williams signing is one that could easily be overlooked, given the uncertainty of his playing time with the team. But the 27-year-old showed flashes in limited action a year ago, enough to potentially become a part of the Wizards’ plans in 2026-27.
Could Williams contribute down the stretch? And how does his signing impact Washington’s plans with the singular roster spot they have remaining?
Bringing in Williams gives Washington key depth at an important position, and could allow them to pursue other, more important needs than a backup score-first guard for their last roster spot.
Williams offers another scorer in case of injuries
The last time Washington signed Williams, it was a lot more likely for him to see the floor. The Wizards likely have their rotation filled out, with multiple veteran additions, and many of the team’s stars returning after injuries last season.
Nevertheless, many of the Wizards’ talented players, especially at the guard position, have injury histories. Trae Young is the obvious one, missing 67 games last year due to quad and back ailments. But Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Bilal Coulibally all missed time last year as well.
If any of these players were to miss time, Williams could very easily fit the role he played in his four games last season: a backup guard with athletic upside. The NBA veteran’s explosiveness off the dribble, and willing rebounding would be welcomed in limited minutes.
It all came together for the guard in a February game against the Indiana Pacers, where he finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Williams’ forceful drives from the dunker’s spot, and his efforts on the boards, were crucial in a rare win for the team.
There are certainly limitations to what Williams can provide. His defense needs some serious work, with a tendency to over-help, and he’s not particularly effective creating his own shot. But with his unique talents, he could certainly be a serviceable backup piece.
The guard’s signing could make some big names unlikely
As Washington’s offseason has come to shape, many of their clear needs have been addressed.
The acquisition of Deandre Ayton helped fill the team’s need for a backup big man, the sign-and-trade for Khris Middleton gave the team a veteran wing, and, of course, AJ Dybansta gave the franchise a new star.
Even after all these acquisitions, though, many clamored for the team to acquire a veteran backup guard. Insider Marc Stein has reported that the team is interested in Russell Westbrook, and rumors have also connected the team to DeMar DeRozan.
Williams’ signing certainly doesn’t dispel those rumors, as a journeyman compared to two potential Hall of Famers. But it does make them slightly more unlikely, given how the roster is now constructed.
Washington now has five players listed as “guards” on their 15-man roster, plus Williams as a potential two-way player. That’s a lot of depth, especially given Washington’s desire to give their young, developing players substantial minutes.
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