4 Wizards who could be cut before the start of the regular season

The Washington Wizards enter the 2024-25 season with a clear plan. They want to develop their young talent and focus on building their core. Number two overall pick Alex Sarr figures to play a crucial role, and the franchise plans to test his limits. It will be a vital season for their youngsters, but will see them back in the lottery next summer.

Washington has 16 players under standard contracts, three training camp invites, and two two-way contracts on their books. The Wizards have much to figure out as they can only have 15 men on standard contracts for the start of the regular season.

These four players are competing for their final spots, and at least one will be cut before their season opener against the defending champion Celtics on Oct. 24.

4. Jared Butler

If it is a cost issue, cutting Butler makes the most sense. The 24-year-old is on a completely non-guaranteed $2.2 million contract this season. The Wizards are over the cap, but still $9.8 million below the luxury tax. They also need a point guard behind Malcolm Brogdon and Bub Carrington.

Butler averaged 6.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game last year over 40 contests. The 6’3 guard was a second-round pick in 2021 and has played for three teams in his three NBA seasons. His playing time increased over the final 16 games, but did Butler show enough to stick in the nation’s capital?

The Wizards want youth and are trying to develop talent. They need a third point guard. Those facts could be the reason Washington keeps Butler and takes the cap hit of releasing another player.

3. Patrick Baldwin Jr.

The Warriors took Baldwin Jr. in the first round in 2022, and he arrived in the nation’s capital in the Chris Paul for Jordan Poole trade. The 6’9 forward has struggled mightily but closed strong scoring at least 15 points in each of the final four games last season.

The 21-year-old has had issues making shots, and there are serious questions about his future. Washington is in a rebuild and likely keeps a young combo forward with potential. Even if it turns into a bust, the Wizards have the luxury of not facing pressure to win immediately.

2. Anthony Gill

Gill is the most likely to be cut. The 6’7 forward turns 32 in October and played the fewest minutes last season of anyone still on their roster. The Wizards have seen what he can do for four years and have never played him more than 10.6 minutes per game or in 59 contests. Fans know what to expect and it is not much.

Gill is set to make $2.2 million this season and has a fully non-guaranteed salary for the 2025-26 campaign. They re-signed him this offseason, but it may be time for Washington to move on. Gill’s best chance to stick is as a leader and veteran presence over expecting to play consistent minutes.

The only thing that may save the veteran is the front office deciding to move on from a failed lottery pick they did not select. This would be the costliest move, but it could be time.

1. Johnny Davis

Michael Winger and company did not select Davis tenth overall in 2022, which certainly makes it easier to move on from a struggling player. The 6’5 wing averaged 3.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game last season.

Fans hoping for better production in the G League will be disappointed. Davis played just six contests, but averaged 8.5 points and shot 36.1 percent from the field.

Those stats scream that he is not an NBA player. The 22-year-old still has plenty of time to grow, but Davis has not shown anything for the franchise to hang their hat on. He is owed $5.2 million this season, but it may be time to rip off the Band-Aid and completely move on.

The Washington Wizards must make a difficult decision. They will have to cut at least one of these four players before the start of the regular season, and it will be an open competition during training camp. The pressure is on the players to stand out and secure their spot.