Washington Wizards

The "expectation" reportedly floating around the NBA is that the Washington Wizards will trade Jonas Valančiūnas in December, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, when the veteran center eligible to be moved after signing a three-year, $30 million.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks are all possible suitors, per that report.

"The Knicks, we'll see how their center spot develops," a NBA executive told Deveney in July, mentioning the Lakers as one of the interested teams. "The Warriors, if the Lauri Markkanen thing does not work out."

All three teams would make sense for Valančiūnas.

The Lakers are at their best when utilizing Anthony Davis at the 5, but over the course of an 82-game season, having another reliable center option to start next to Davis at times is one way to reduce the wear and tear on the injury-prone star.

At present, the Lakers have Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood. Valančiūnas would be a significant upgrade.

Ditto for a Knicks team that lost Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency and doesn't have many true centers on the roster behind Mitchell Robinson. The team could play small with its second unit, but Hartenstein proved to be a key performer in the playoffs and his loss likely needs to be addressed at some point.

The Warriors may be the worst off among the three teams at present, with just Trayce Jackson-Davis and veteran Kevon Looney currently available at the position. Obviously a Markkanen acquisition would be far more impactful, but Valančiūnas would be a nice consolation prize in December.

Deveney did note that the Lakers "have been most frequently connected with Valančiūnas, but L.A. has also been reluctant to give up either of its tradeable draft picks."

For the rebuilding Wizards, using their cap space in the present to add potential draft assets and young players in the future was a savvy move.

"It is a really smart [signing] because it got him paid at a time when there were just not that many spots available—it's musical chairs and if you do not get one of the first slots now with the new rules, you're screwed," the executive told Deveney. "There's not as much flexibility. But this gets you paid, and the team paying you can say, 'Hey, we'll get you to a contender when the time comes.'"

Which contender it ends up being remains to be seen.

A pair of exciting rookies made their NBA Summer League debuts on Friday.

No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher and No. 2 pick Alex Sarr battled it out in Las Vegas as Sarr's Washington Wizards beat Risacher's Atlanta Hawks 94-88.

Both put together solid stat lines in their first Summer League games with Risacher putting up 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block and Sarr notching 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four blocks.

The first matchup between Risacher and Sarr provided plenty of action as well, with the game ultimately coming down to the final few possessions.

One thing that stood out quickly was the athleticism the top two picks possess.

1st overall pick getting after it 💪 https://t.co/fKdAlaMslk pic.twitter.com/Q7YCnkrZjj

— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2024

Wizards' rookie Alex Sarr with back-to-back big blocks! 🛑

ATL-WAS | Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/Q8AiYTYzBQ

— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2024

After the impressive debut, NBA fans hyped Risacher's performance and praised his upside as a promising player.

“Risacher is the worst 1st pick ever” is gonna be one of the worst takes of all time in a few years

— ✈️ (@JJETSFAN) July 13, 2024

Zacch Risacher has a "bag" even if it's not isoing a guy in space.

His ability to cut and move off ball or step back to create space for the three is already really advanced for a 19 y/o.

— Wes (@bloghawk) July 13, 2024

Risacher checking the boxes that you want to see checked through 3 quarters.

— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) July 13, 2024

Risacher works every second he’s on the court

It’s really impressive

— G Willis (@willis_glen) July 13, 2024

Risacher’s skill is really evident. Really good movement off the ball, just always looks in control. Can tell he’s been a pro for awhile.

— AKelly (@andlankell) July 13, 2024

Risacher drops in a lefty bank hook over Sarr for his first bucket, and then makes a catch-shoot corner 3. This proves they made the right pick.

— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) July 13, 2024

For Sarr, fans took note of his defensive ability, claiming his presence in the paint could make up for his offense as he continues to develop.

Alex Sarr’s defense looks amazing

— Steelpen19 (@Steelpen19) July 13, 2024

Sarr's abilities defense will make the growing pains on offense easier to deal with

— ADW (@StillUnknown85) July 13, 2024

Alex Sarr nice on defense

— LEGENDARY ⌚️ (@BtwlPicks__) July 13, 2024

Sarr's defense absolutely real

— ADW (@StillUnknown85) July 13, 2024

Sarr having a horrible offensive game but has been great on defense

— AnsonW🎗️ (@AnsonW_1) July 13, 2024

https://twitter.com/xxrdotxx/status/1811948923914801279

What's clear for both rookies is that they have the chance to have tremendous NBA careers based on the small sample size fans have seen so far. While both are still developing and working on different areas of their game, the potential is obvious and the Hawks and Wizards seemingly made the right picks.

Fans will get the chance to see Risacher, Sarr and many other exciting rookies in action for the next 10 days in NBA Summer League, which continues from Las Vegas on Saturday.

The Washington Wizards have declined their $11 million option on shooting guard Landry Shamet, making him a free agent, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Washington Wizards are declining the $11 million option on guard Landry Shamet’s contract, sources tell ESPN. A career 38.4 percent three-point shooter, Shamet will join the free agent market. pic.twitter.com/WXVcK2oUKs

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2024

ESPN's Bobby Marks provided more insight on the Wizards' salary cap situation:

Washington sitting right at $16.5M below the luxury tax and first apron ($7M plus in Kuzma/Poole bonuses count).

The Wizards are hard capped at the $178.1M first apron. https://t.co/8j6U8e8V7C

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 6, 2024

Shamet, a six-year NBA veteran, averaged 7.1 points on 43.1 percent shooting (33.8 percent from three) in 46 games last season. The 6'4" shooting guard is a lifetime 38.4 percent three-point shooter.

The 28-year-old played his college ball at Wichita State before the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft.

Shamet shouldn't have much issue finding a new home.

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype on June 24, Shamet had "exploratory trade interest" from the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic earlier this year.

Ultimately, he's an experienced veteran and solid three-point shooter who's now available on the free-agent market. It's certainly possible that Shamet finds a new NBA home sooner rather than later.

Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported the Sacramento Kings have been busy this offseason, making exploratory calls on the Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans, with another star player also piquing their interest.

"[Kyle] Kuzma's contract is viewed as highly attractive to teams across the league looking to improve in the short term and preserve financial flexibility to round out their rosters."

Kuzma is owed $64.43 million over the next three seasons on a descending contract, per the insider, which makes him more attractive to teams looking to get better fast.

The 28-year-old small forward improved in several categories, including points per game, where he averaged the most of his career with 22.2 for the Washington Wizards.

An uptick in field goal percentage (46.3) and three-point shooting (33.6 percent), only enhances teams' reasoning for exploring the possibility of adding Kuzma to their rosters.

His player efficiency rating was the highest of his career, too, at 15.7, per Stat Muse.

Kuzma's assist game is what improved this past season as he dished the ball more consistently, setting up teammates to thrive instead of worrying about taking shots himself.

Ingram and Markkanen would suit the Kings well and help aid in the team's desire to develop into a legitimate contender out west, but it is Kuzma's evolution into a more complete player that makes him the best fit and the most intriguing.

He would be an upgrade over Harrison Barnes in the position and bring with him the veteran experience of having won an NBA title in 2020 and played with the best player of this generation, LeBron James.

It will not be easy to pry Kuzma away from Washington, or Markkanen from Utah for that matter.

The New York Knicks' haul for Mikal Bridges, which included four first-round draft picks, a protected fifth, and a protected pick swap, was enormous and has set the standard for players of Markkanen and Kuzma's skillsets.

Regardless of who the Kings decide to target, it will cost them.

A lot.

Whether the team is willing to mortgage its long-term future in the name of winning now will ultimately decide if the organization can realistically complete a deal and focus on chasing Denver, Minnesota, Los Angeles, and Dallas in the Western Conference.

If the Washington Wizards want to add more future assets to help spark their long-term rebuild, Kyle Kuzma would be a desirable player for playoff contenders looking to make a trade.

Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Kuzma's contract is considered "highly attractive" to clubs that want to upgrade their roster and maintain financial flexibility in the future under the new apron rules.

Kuzma is entering the second season of a four-year, $90 million contract he signed last offseason.

His deal is structured with descending salaries, so he will go from making $25.6 million in the first season to $23.5 million in 2024-25, $21.5 million in 2026-27 and $19.4 million in 2027-28. It includes a 15 percent trade kicker if he does get moved.

The Wizards were close to a deal that would have sent Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks prior to the trade deadline in February. He told The Athletic's Josh Robbins on Feb. 13 that Wizards president Michael Winger presented him with a trade to Dallas, but he preferred to stay in Washington.

"There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me. Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn't want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do," Kuzma said. "I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it."

It's unclear what Dallas' offer was for Kuzma, but it was at least good enough to get the Wizards to approach him about it.

The trade market has set prices very high for wing players. Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks by the Brooklyn Nets for a package of four unprotected draft picks and an unprotected pick swap, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Dejounte Murray isn't a wing, but he brought back two first-round picks in 2025 and 2027 when the Atlanta Hawks agreed to trade him to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Scotto noted any trade for Kuzma would likely require multiple first-round draft picks going to the Wizards, with the Sacramento Kings among the teams that have shown interest in the 28-year-old.

Bridges' contract is similar in total value to Kuzma's at four years and $90.9 million, but he's entering the third year of the deal with a $23.3 million salary in 2024-25 and $24.9 million in 2025-26.

Kuzma averaged career-highs in scoring (22.2 points per game) and assists (4.2) in 70 starts last season. He has averaged more than six rebounds per game in each of the past four seasons.

Richaun Holmes will remain with the Washington Wizards despite reportedly declining his $12.9 million player option on Saturday.

Holmes declined his player option to sign a new two-year, $25.9 million contract with Washington through the 2025-26 season, per The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania.

Homes had until June 29 to make his decision on the option.

Holmes averaged 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest in 17 games and eight starts for the Wizards after his midseason trade from the Dallas Mavericks.

The veteran center was in and out of the lineup due to toe injuries and missed the final two weeks of the regular season during his first stint with the Warriors.

When healthy, Holmes replaced center Daniel Gafford in the starting lineup. Gafford started all 45 games and led the team in blocks and rebounds prior to going the other way in the trade with the Mavericks.

Although Holmes could not match Gafford's defensive numbers, he was able to provide the rebounds the Washington bench needed when center Marvin Bagley III was injured.

The Wizards will now be able to bring back both Holmes and Bagley, who averaged a career-high 8.1 rebounds per game in 2023-24.

Their ability to maneuver the pick and role will help increase the Wizards' chances of making a playoff bid for the first time since 2021 next season.

The Washington Wizards added an intriguing wing prospect by selecting Miami forward Kyshawn George with the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

This pick belongs to the New York Knicks, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported they are trading the selection to Washington.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Kyshawn George

Position: SG/SF

Height: 6'8"

Pro Comparison: Dalano Banton

Scouting Report: Kyshawn George popped all season as a 6'8" guard who consistently made threes and showed a comfort level handling the ball and passing off live dribbles. His extremely thin frame and lack of explosiveness just raise questions about how effective he'll be inside the arc at the NBA level.

Wizards Active Roster and 2024-25 Salary (Expiration Year)

Jordan Poole, SG: $29.7M (2027)

Kyle Kuzma, PF: $23.5M (2027)

Malcolm Brogdon, PG: $22.5M (2028)

Marvin Bagley Jr., PF: $12.5M (2025)

Landry Shamet, SG: $11M (2025)

Monte Morris, PG: $9.8M (2024)

Delon Wright, PG: $8.2M (2024)

Bilal Coulibaly, SF: $6.9M (2025)

Corey Kispert, SF: $5.7M (2025)

Johnny Davis, SG: $5.3M (2026)

Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: $2.4M (2026)

Jared Butler, PG: $2.2M (2026)

Eugene Omoruyi, SF: $2.2M (2025)

Justin Champagnie, SF: Two-way (2025)

Alex Sarr, C: Rookie scale contract

Carlton Carrington, SG: Rookie scale contract

Kyshawn George, SG/SF: Rookie scale contract

Free Agents

Richaun Holmes, C: Player option

Tristan Vukcevic, C: Club option

Tyus Jones, PG: UFA

Anthony Gill, PF: UFA

In his lone season with the Hurricanes, George started 16 of his 31 appearances and averaged 7.6 points 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Despite his modest averages, the freshman swingman specialized in long-range firepower, as he connected on 40.8 percent of his three-pointers.

At 6'8", George has ideal size and the potential to develop into a strong defender on the wing. He should have the versatility to guard multiple positions and impact the game as his offensive skills continue to expand. He also spent a lot of time as Miami's floor general on offense, so he is capable of taking over ball-handling duties when necessary.

George is a raw prospect who still has a lot of room to grow, but Washington was right to take a chance on him and try to help him reach his full potential. It may take some time, but George can eventually become a reliable source of production at both ends of the floor for the Wizards.

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Pittsburgh guard Carlton Carrington with the No. 14 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, but he will be sent to the Washington Wizards in a trade the two teams pulled off earlier in the day.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards will receive the 14th pick and Malcolm Brogdon from the Blazers for Deni Avdija.

---

School/team: Pittsburgh

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'5", 190 lbs

Age: 18, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Scouting Report: "It's easy to be intrigued by Carrington's ball-screen passing and pull-up shooting. It's also reasonable to be skeptical about his lack of rim pressure, explosion and defensive playmaking. He could be one of the draft's youngest prospects with strong size for a ball-handler, impressive shooting skills and the ability to facilitate for teammates."

Wizards Active Roster and 2024-25 Salary (Expiration Year)

Jordan Poole, SG: $29.7M (2027)

Kyle Kuzma, PF: $23.5M (2027)

Malcolm Brogdon, PG: $22.5M (2028)

Marvin Bagley Jr., PF: $12.5M (2025)

Landry Shamet, SG: $11M (2025)

Monte Morris, PG: $9.8M (2024)

Delon Wright, PG: $8.2M (2024)

Bilal Coulibaly, SF: $6.9M (2025)

Corey Kispert, SF: $5.7M (2025)

Johnny Davis, SG: $5.3M (2026)

Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: $2.4M (2026)

Jared Butler, PG: $2.2M (2026)

Eugene Omoruyi, SF: $2.2M (2025)

Justin Champagnie, SF: Two-way (2025)

Alex Sarr, C: Rookie scale contract

Free Agents

Richaun Holmes, C: Player option

Tristan Vukcevic, C: Club option

Tyus Jones, PG: UFA

Anthony Gill, PF: UFA

Carrington averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game during his freshman season at Pitt. He saw his name rise up draft boards throughout the predraft process.

"Carrington is rising and can play," an NBA scout told HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "He's skinny, but has legit size and he has the ball in his hands a lot and plays well in pick-and-roll sets. He's definitely a first-rounder as of right now in my opinion."

This is not considered an elite draft class, so getting someone like Carrington who could develop into a long-term starter at No. 14 is a boon. While he's not a future All-Star by any stretch, Carrington can play either guard position and showed a willingness to stretch the floor—if not quite an elite aptitude—at Pitt.

The Washington Wizards' rebuild will begin with 7-foot-1 big man Alex Sarr.

The Wizards used the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NBA Draft to select the NBL standout Wednesday night.

The Washington Wizards are zeroing in on Alex Sarr with the No. 2 pick.

Washington adds another centerpiece to their rebuild

— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) June 27, 2024

Alex Sarr will provide plenty of backline support defensively for the Washington Wizards. Getting to build that identity with Bilal Coulibaly is a major step in the right direction for a franchise steep in rebuild territory.

— Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) June 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/All3nHyper/status/1806120563372388634

After trading small forward Deni Avdija, the Wizards are now set to build the 2024-25 roster around Sarr as they begin the climb back to playoff contention.

Some fans believed Sarr's selection explained why the Wizards decided to deal Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers earlier on draft day.

Wizards got a chance to walk out of here with Sarr and Collier/Holland/Dilly I kinda see why they traded Avdija

— 🦉 (@offthedribbl) June 27, 2024

Many viewers saw Sarr as the obvious choice for Washington after the Atlanta Hawks selected French league standout Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick of the draft.

Although NCAA standouts like UConn's Stephon Castle and Kentucky's Reed Sheppard remained on the board, the Wizards chose to focus on defense for their second straight first-round selection.

Alex Sarr was a great pick for the Wizards

— tayah williams (@tayahjudeah) June 27, 2024

Wizards front office with the easiest decision of the night. Had to be Sarr!

— Beside The Point, NBA. (@BesideThePt_) June 27, 2024

This isn't the first time this year a Washington sports team has chosen a player near the top of a draft.

Sarr's selection comes two months after the Washington Commanders used the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to select quarterback Jayden Daniel.

Commanders were blessed with Jayden Daniels at #2 and now the Wizards get blessed with Alex Sarr at #2 you love to see it! 🔥

— Zac (@DCzWall) June 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/phillyowned/status/1806121509582151859

Sarr's selection also comes just one year after the Wizards added small forward Bilal Coulibaly with the No. 7 pick of the 2023 draft.

Wizards take Alex Sarr out of France with the second overall pick.

Wiz get their center of the future. Sarr is a 7-footer with a 7’5” wingspan. Lots of potential on offense, but rim protection is his key skill. Wiz double down on defense after taking Coulibaly a year ago.

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) June 27, 2024

The Wizards have A LOT of length with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.

— Jim Miloch (@podoffame) June 27, 2024

Sarr and Coulibaly might change life in DC in a couple years

— Bmac (@Bmac_______) June 27, 2024

Coulibaly and Sarr will need a lot of time and reps to develop, but the Wizards can certainly provide them both. Here's hoping the best for them both.

— BelowAverageGamer (@zgamer200) June 27, 2024

Great pick by the wizards. Sarr and Coulibaly are great picks moving forward

— CoachRoache (@CoachroacheT) June 27, 2024

The Wizards could see further roster turnover this week, as forward Kyle Kuzma has been the subject of trade rumors heading into the draft.

Whatever trade decisions Washington makes this week, the team's plans of making it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1979 will hinge on a young frontcourt led by their 2023 and 2024 first-round picks.

French big man Alexandre Sarr is on his way to the NBA after being selected by the Washington Wizards with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft on Wednesday.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Alexandre Sarr

Position: PF/C

Height: 7'1"

Pro Comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Scouting Report: It's difficult to picture an NBA world where Sarr isn't regularly adding value with his athleticism around the basket and defensive versatility. But it's the flashes of open-floor ball-handling, pull-up jumpers and spot-up threes creates No. 1 overall upside.

Wizards Active Roster and 2024-25 Salary (Expiration Year)

Jordan Poole, SG: $29.7M (2027)

Kyle Kuzma, PF: $23.5M (2027)

Deni Avdija, SF: $15.6M (2028)

Marvin Bagley Jr., PF: $12.5M (2025)

Landry Shamet, SG: $11M (2025)

Monte Morris, PG: $9.8M (2024)

Delon Wright, PG: $8.2M (2024)

Bilal Coulibaly, SF: $6.9M (2025)

Corey Kispert, SF: $5.7M (2025)

Johnny Davis, SG: $5.3M (2026)

Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF: $2.4M (2026)

Jared Butler, PG: $2.2M (2026)

Eugene Omoruyi, SF: $2.2M (2025)

Justin Champagnie, SF: Two-way (2025)

Free Agents

Richaun Holmes, C: Player option

Tristan Vukcevic, C: Club option

Tyus Jones, PG: UFA

Anthony Gill, PF: UFA

In a draft without a consensus No. 1 player, Sarr's combination of size and athleticism made him one of the most intriguing prospects available.

The 19-year-old spent two years in the United States working with Overtime Elite from 2021 to '23. He turned pro last season after signing with the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League in Australia.

Sarr made his first experience against professional competition count. He averaged 20.3 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes in 24 games for the Wildcats.

While there will be an initial learning period as he gets acclimated to playing against NBA competition, Sarr has the type of body and skill set to become a star in the league for a long time.