Washington Wizards: 3 players not likely to return in 2020-21

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards celebrates with Ish Smith #14 and Thomas Bryant #13 after a play against the Utah Jazz during the game at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 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. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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3. Ian Mahinmi

Ian Mahinmi is the only obvious departure coming to the Wizards this offseason. His contract has been a problem for the team since the day it was offered to him, but it finally comes off the books after this season.

The center signed a four-year, $64 million contract in the summer of 2016, back when the salary cap exploded. To put that in perspective, this season Mahinmi made almost two times the amount of money the team’s fourth-highest paid player made (Wall and Beal make more, for good reason).

Living up to that contract was always going to be a challenge for the big man, as he’s been simply an average starting center for most of his career. This season, he’s averaging 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, averaging just over 21 minutes per contest.

This season has actually been the best Mahinmi has had in Washington, which isn’t saying much. He’s never averaged more points, rebounds or blocks in a season with the Wizards, and has even seen a slight uptick in his 3-point shooting, although it still isn’t a marketable skill for him.

Mahinmi could return if he’s comfortable playing for about a quarter of what he costs now. Even then, the bad contract associations might be enough for the front office to decide to move on his better.

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