Not too long ago, the Washington Wizards had very little in the way of an actual team, much less a group of young guys to build around.
Following the trade that sent franchise star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns in 2023, one could argue that the organization was built around the hopes of Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma figuring it out.
However, that reality feels like a long time ago. On Wednesday night, the Wizards were part of a multi-team trade that brought in former Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann and sent out forward Cam Whitmore to the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as big man Julian Reese to the Denver Nuggets.
As part of the deal, the Cavaliers are sending Tre Mann, the 2027 second-rounder from the Clippers and cash to the Washington Wizards for Cam Whitmore, sources said. The Wizards also are sending Julian Reese to the Nuggets, who will waive Reese off his two-way deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 20, 2026
Mann fills a… https://t.co/8YzgVqheoy
Given Whitmore's undeniable slashing ability and athleticism, this could seem like a questionable move by a Wizards team looking to make the postseason for the first time since 2021. Conversely, this is a testament to how deep their roster is.
There wouldn't have been playing time available for Cam Whitmore, and that’s a great thing
With how many mouths there are to feed in Washington, particularly at forward, it became increasingly apparent that the former Villanova standout was never going to get the chance to play meaningful minutes for the squad next season.
That is a credit to the job that team president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins have done since taking over in 2023.
Outside of the obvious face of the franchise in No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who will have a big role from day one, second-year swingman Will Riley looks to build on his promising rookie campaign. Plus, third-year forward Kyshawn George flashed immense potential last season.
That's not to mention other players at the position who could take the next step like Bilal Coulibaly and Justin Champagnie, in addition to a veteran who mentors the young core in three-time All-Star and former NBA champion Khris Middleton. Whitmore, who played just 21 games for the Wizards last season due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, was the odd man out.
The development of this group is key
It’s one thing to amass this collection of talent, but it’s another to grow, build and evolve it.
Led by head coach Brian Keefe and his staff, Washington's goal is to use veterans Trae Young, Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton, and Middleton as leaders for the young core. If that works out well, it will help players like Dybantsa, George, Riley, Champagnie, Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and Tre Johnson succeed.
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