The Washington Wizards wanted to sign nine-time All-Star guard Russell Westbrook this offseason, but he retired instead of accepting their two-year offer, per The Stein Line's Marc Stein (subscription required). However, they are still in the running for veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, per Stein.
"The Wizards, meanwhile, shifted their intent to sign another veteran this offseason by showing some interest in DeMar DeRozan, pursuing the former All-Star swingman along with teams such as [the] Miami [Heat] and Denver [Nuggets]," he reported on Sunday.
ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel then pointed out on Tuesday that Washington has more money to offer DeRozan than his other suitors due to its full mid-level exception ($15 million). However, he predicted that the 37-year-old would sign with the Heat.
DeRozan would add to a crowded wing rotation featuring AJ Dybantsa, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Will Riley, Justin Champagnie, Cam Whitmore and Khris Middleton. The six-time All-Star is more accomplished than all of those players other than Middleton, who won the NBA title as a second option with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. But both are past their primes, and the Wizards don't need another veteran at that position.
DeRozan was more productive than Middleton last season, averaging 21.1 points on 47.1% shooting (32% 3-point) with 4.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists over 31.2 minutes (77 games) for the Sacramento Kings, while the latter player averaged 10.2 points on 42% shooting (36% 3-point) with 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists over 22.8 minutes (63 games) for the Wizards and Dallas Mavericks. DeRozan could give Washington productive minutes off the bench, but that's not necessary for an organization focused on developing young talent.
If the California native is willing to play no more than 15 minutes per game in a mentorship role, then he'd make sense for the team. However, he has no reason to do cut his playing time in half when he could receive a larger role in Miami or Denver, unless he solely cares about money and gets the largest offer from the Wizards.
Wizards should sign Anthony Gill or leave the 15th roster spot open
Although Westbrook averaged 29 minutes over 64 games in Sacramento last season, he would've made sense as a mentor in the nation's capital. The fellow California native could have helped Riley and 21-year-old guard Bub Carrington develop their slashing skills, as Washington doesn't have a clear backup at point behind Trae Young.
Conversely, DeRozan specializes in the midrange, which is less emphasized in today's game. That's why the Wizards should either bring back Anthony Gill or leave their last roster spot open.
Gill has spent all six of his NBA seasons in Washington so far, averaging 11 minutes per game. The 33-year-old is less talented than DeRozan, but he's a beloved figure in the organization, already knows most of its young core and won't interfere with its playing time.
Otherwise, entering training camp with nobody occupying the last roster spot would do no harm, as the Wizards already have several young players who will fight for minutes.
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