Report: Bibby wants buyout

Going from a playoff team in Atlanta to a rebuilding situation in D.C. doesn’t appeal to 13-year guard Mike Bibby, who is interested in receiving a buyout, according to reports. But the Wizards have no plans for one at the time, according to a team source. Bibby is expected to play on Friday. Not working in Bibby’s favor is the remainder of his $5.8 million salary this season and another $6.4 million that he’s due next year. Bibby’s agent did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment.

Meanwhile, veteran swingman Maurice Evans, despite having appeared in the playoffs in each of the last five seasons, is embracing the chance to play under Wizards coach Flip Saunders for the third time.

“I think that he can bring more than what he’s shown as of late in Atlanta offensively,” said Evans’ agent, Roger Montgomery. “But I also think he’s going to be a big key for stability and leadership in the locker room.”

Rookie Jordan Crawford, with just 16 appearances this season, also gets a fresh start. Taken 27th overall in last year’s draft, he’s essentially one of two first-round picks the Wizards received in Wednesday’s trade with the Hawks since the Wizards also picked up Atlanta’s first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Crawford is most famous for dunking on LeBron James during James’ college summer camp in 2009.

“I am happy that we have loaded up on picks and prospects,” Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said on his blog Thursday. “That part of the rebuild after we pick twice in the next draft is over. We have enough young assets now. … I apologize for the short-term pain. I believe we will see mid- and long-term gain.”

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