The Wizards need a big man. Free agency offers a couple choices. But will that make for a match? It’s debatable. Even though Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said there’s no mandate to avoid the luxury tax, one NBA source said, “I don’t think they will go over.”
But if they do — and they’re already committed to $75.8 million, which, if they enter the season at that mark, they might have to pay the tax — they need to find more help inside. Aside from Brendan Haywood, the Wiz lack any real playoff experience or consistency.
Stay informed.Stay ahead.
Join Washington Examiner for unlimited access to the news, analysis, and commentary that matter most.
Already a member? Log in
Antonio McDyess would help; he’s a good shooter, tough defender and rebounder. He wants to go to a contender, but he’ll likely have better options than Washington, which has a mid-level exemption available ($5.6 million) and a veteran minimum (around $1.1 million).
Forget Rasheed Wallace; he and coach Flip Saunders reportedly clashed while both were in Detroit.
Zaza Pachulia, Shelden Williams and Marcin Gortat are other possibilities.
“Orlando feels he’s a 20-minute player at best, but I really, really like him,” said the NBA source about Gortat. “He’d be a good addition and wouldn’t cost too much.”
The Wizards also have a biannual exception ($1.99 million) and could find a lower-level big man.
Another option is to trade some guards, but will a team be willing to take on Mike James and his $6.46 million contract — even if they include Nick Young in the deal?
The Wizards are an improved team. They still need more. The question is: What are they willing to pay?
