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Evaluating the Washington Wizards stance in the buyout market

By Collin Loring

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 18: Evan Turner #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on November 18, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 18: Evan Turner #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on November 18, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

In Need of a New Home

But, one name to keep an eye on for the Wizards is guard Tyler Johnson. He was waived by the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon.

Washington’s acquisition of Napier is a clear signal that they’re holding guard auditions, and Johnson is just 27-years old with experience at both guard positions.

His time in Phoenix was limited, just an average of 5.5 shot attempts in 16.6 minutes per game this season. But Johnson has flashed, in the correct culture or environment (like his former team, the Miami Heat), he can thrive as a playmaker in the second unit.

And the Wizards don’t have to focus solely on their backcourt. Dragan Bender is another interesting name that entered the market. The former fourth overall pick was recently waived by his second-NBA home, the Milwaukee Bucks.

He spent this season bouncing back and forth from their G-League and NBA rosters, posting averages of 3.7 points and 1.3 assists in 7 games for the Bucks.

Bender’s not the sexiest name on the market, but he fits Wizards’ general manager Tommy Sheppard’s recent motive of acquiring young talent in need of a change of scenery.

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Or in this forward’s case, another change of scenery.

Veteran Leftovers?

Due to the limited number of roster spots, some veterans who would otherwise be picked up in these situations, may opt to play for their next contract instead.

The first name that comes to mind is shooting guard Courtney Lee. He’s finishing up his second season with the Dallas Mavericks, and wasn’t featured much there.

Lee hasn’t been bought out yet, but is in the last year of his deal. And Dallas has reportedly come to terms on a deal with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, per ESPN’s Tim McMahon. Meaning they’ll have to waive someone to create a roster spot.

The 12-year veteran has played just 47 games in the last two seasons, but not due to poor performance or injury. This season, Lee’s averaging just 4.4 points in 9.7 minutes per game.

But he very recently had a strong showing off the bench for Dallas: 11 points in the Mavericks’ loss to, you guessed it, the Washington Wizards. Lee has seemingly been in the wrong situations at the worst times, but Washington may prove the opposite.

With the Wizards aiming fitness playoffs, having a set of spry legs to backup Bradley Beal may prove beneficial. He’s currently playing Washington through every game, behind an average of 36 minutes a night.

The Washington Wizards don’t have to make room for, and sign a mid-season free agent.

But if they’re serious about their playoff chase, a few of the names available would be immediate upgrades over their 10th-12th men on the roster.

As the Eastern Conference’s ninth seed, reinforcements may be the key to a playoff berth for Beal and the Washington Wizards.

Next. 5 takeaways from the NBA trade deadline. dark

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