NBA Free Agency Grades: Washington Wizards
Signings: Bradley Beal (5 years, $251 million); Delon Wright (2 years, $16 million); Anthony Gill (2 years, $3.83 million); Taj Gibson (1 year, $2, 905)
Trades: Ish Smith, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Denver Nuggets for Monte Morris, Will Barton
Let’s start with the good. Delon Wright is a very competent backup point guard and will serve the Wizards well. Taj Gibson is an interesting choice for their big rotation but doesn’t have to be an issue. Most importantly is the trade to bring in Monte Morris and Will Barton.
The Wizards flipped wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Denver Nuggets for a decent starting guard in Monte Morris and someone who could also start on the wing in Will Barton. “KCP” was the best player to change hands, but the value wasn’t terrible and both Morris and Barton will be a part of Washington’s rotation this campaign.
Those moves are likely just window dressing compared to the main event. Bradley Beal is a regular All-Star but not more than that, and the Wizards backed up the truck for Beal, giving him a maximum contract with a player option and a no-trade clause. That level of overpay was not necessary for Beal.
Grade: C
There are still massive dominos still to fall in free agency, but for now, the dust has settled. Here are all 30 teams in the league and how they fared this summer.