The Washington Wizards activity at the NBA trade deadline offered several hellos and multiple goodbyes.
With the blockbuster additions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, Washington made their intentions about competing sooner rather than later crystal clear.
In the process, the Wizards moved on from multiple players, including the likes of Khris Middleton, who was arguably the team's biggest trade chip ahead of the deadline with his expiring cotract.
In fact, many thought Middleton would be the first former Wizard to hit the open market with his expiring deal and the likelihood that the Dallas Mavericks would opt to give the veteran forward the chance to compete as his career continues to unfold.
However, that didn't prove to be the case with this former Wizards' guard beating the 34-year-old to the open market.
Hornets waive Malaki Branham
Malaki Branham landed in Washington last offseason after the Wizards shipped newly acquired Kelly Olynyk to the San Antonio Spurs in efforts to shed salary, get younger and land draft capital.
The former first-round pick suited up in 28 games for the Wizards this season, averaging 4,6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists on shooting splits of 47.3% from field goal range and 37.8% from beyond the arc.
In a limited role in Washington, the writing was on the wall for the 22-year-old to be included in any deadline deal considering his lack of opportunities in the team's backcourt.
After being shipped out to Dallas as part of the package to acquire AD from the Mavericks, Branham was quickly rerouted to the Charlotte Hornets, who have quietly been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last couple weeks.
In another rebuilding situation, it was originally thought that Branham would potentially have the opportunity to remain on the roster in Charlotte and serve as a depth piece in the team's backcourt.
Instead, the Ohio State product finds himself on the open market after being waived by the Hornets.
Technically, with the playmaker being traded again after the Wizards offloaded him, Washington has the option to potentially re-sign the former Buckeye, courtesy of the same loophole that Mike Conley and the Minnesota Timberwolves took advantage of.
However, with Washington's current roster outlook it wouldn't make much sense, if any at all, to re-sign Branham.
As a result, the 2022 NBA Draft pick will have to seek out his next opportunity elsewhere as the NBA All-Star Break looms.