The Washington Wizards reappeared in headlines on Saturday once again with the reports that the team and veteran Marcus Smart agreed to a contract buyout allowing for the guard to become a free agent.
It took no time for Smart to find a new home immediately announcing the decision for the former Defensive Player of the Year to take his talents to the Western Conference joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
As a former Boston Celtic, it comes as a bit of a surprise to see the player who long bled green opt to sign with the franchises biggest rival, especially considering the list of contenders he potentially could/ve been a better fit with.
However, the biggest fallout of the Wizards move is the next steps for the team moving forward.
Smart has been mentioned as a potential buyout candidate for weeks, but on what many considered a more than reasonable contract for his impact and age, it's a bit hard to fathom the fact that there was no trade market for the former lottery pick, especially in a free agency class as scarce as this offseason,
Regardless, for Washington to buyout Smart and request waivers on newly acquired Blake Wesley from the San Antonio Spurs in corresponding moves, it begins to raise a question as to if the Wizards plan to compete this coming season after all or if the front office deems a lottery pick more of a priority next season.
After acquiring CJ McCollum and Cam Whitmore, the team's roster quietly became deep from top to bottom.
Between the veterans in the room and the mixture of young talent, Brian Keefe's squad had the firepower and defensive-minded players to be a sleeper in the East.
Now, with Smart seemingly being let go for nothing, the team lost a key veteran presence and what would have been a core piece to the rotation had he stayed next season.
The Wizards front office continues to trim the roster as the offseason continues and with Smart gone, how soon will it be before Washington attempts to unload McCollum to move forward with the team's youth movement and prioritize financial freedom.
A look at the current Wizards roster:
G Bub Carrington
G CJ McCollum
G/F Bilal Coulibaly
F Khris Middleton
F/C Alex Sarr
G Tre Johnson
F Cam Whitmore
F Kyshawn George
F Corey Kispert
C Marvin Bagley III
G AJ Johnson
F Will Riley
G Malaki Branham
Two Way: F Tristan Vukcevic
Two Way: G Jamir Watkins
Two Way: F Jaylen Martin
Washington's roster remains under construction and prioritizing the future is more than understandable, but it just goes to show that the Wizards may not be looking to compete for a potential play-in spot next season after all.