Washington Wizards: 3 potential Ian Mahinmi replacements

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Ian Mahinmi #28 of the Washington Wizards dribbles in front of Rudy Gobert #27 of 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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Washington Wizards (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Tristan Thompson

Two of the worst kept secrets at this year’s trade deadline were Tristan Thompson‘s desire to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Wizards interest in the 2016 NBA champion.

This all came after the Cavaliers made a play for Andre Drummond, locking up quite the stalemate at the center position in Cleveland. Thompson requested a buyout, was not rewarded one, and instead will head for free agency this summer.

Washington has already shown interest in the big man, could they revisit acquiring him in the offseason? He averaged a sound double-double this year with 12 points and 10.1 rebounds.

Thompson will want to sign somewhere he can play a large role, and likely with a team that’s headed for a winning record and the postseason. He’s a solid rim protector and has the experience the Wizards are looking to add to their big man rotation, a near-perfect match.

Any of these three veteran centers would serve as a prime placeholder for the Wizards if they draft a center in the first round after losing Ian Mahinmi. With aspirations as high as Washington’s next season, each offseason addition will have to be strategic. That starts at center.

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