Washington Wizards: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

1. Add an athletic big at a bargain

The Washington Wizards have the NBA’s fifth-high payroll, so signing a big name in free agency might be tricky. They may have to use their taxpayer mid-level exception, bi-annual exception or veteran’s minimum to sign a player.

One name that has floated around that has the potential to work is big man Nerlens Noel. After all, Noel is a Kentucky Wildcats-product just like John Wall. He has upside as an athletic big and his price tag may not be too steep for the Wizards’ organization.

The TPMLE beginning salary in the first year for the 2017-18 season was $5.2 million. That could be a salary worth exploring when the salary cap is officially announced soon. They used $3.3 million of it to sign Jodie Meeks to a two-year deal, but still have some left to spend.

Noel is coming off a $4.1 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks where he didn’t produce. He put up 4.4 points and 5.6 rebounds in 30 appearances in 2017-18 and didn’t appear in a game after April 1. He was suspended for violating the league’s performance-enhancing policy.

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Given the season he just had, the demand for Nerlens Noel should be low in free agency. He’s got potential left in the tank at 23 years of age as well. Noel is also a product of the Kentucky Wildcats, something that should hold some favor with point guard John Wall. It’s one option for the Washington Wizards to explore as they look to improve despite having limited cap space.