The Wizards are keeping the roster shuffle going, cutting ties with Jaylen Nowell and bringing in Erik Stevenson on an Exhibit 10 deal, per NBA insider Keith Smith.
It’s a move that doesn’t come as a huge surprise, given Washington’s already packed roster situation. Nowell, Kira Lewis, and Leaky Black were all signed in August, but with 16 players already on standard contracts, the odds were always against Nowell or Lewis grabbing a spot.
Nowell, a five-year NBA veteran, has had stints with the Timberwolves, Grizzlies, and Pistons, averaging 8.9 points over 197 games. The Wizards are offering him the chance to play for their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, where he could still pocket a $77.5K Exhibit 10 bonus if he stays at least 60 days. It’s a familiar story for Nowell, fighting to stay relevant in a league where roster spots are at a premium.
As for Stevenson, the 6-foot-4 guard out of West Virginia went undrafted in 2023 but found a home in the G League last year with both the Austin Spurs and Texas Legends. He put up solid numbers — 10 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists — but it’s more likely the Wizards are looking at Stevenson as a developmental piece rather than a serious contender for their open two-way spot.
Basically, Washington is cycling through Exhibit 10 players, hoping to strike gold while keeping an eye on the G League pipeline. For players such as Nowell and Stevenson, the message is clear — perform in the G League and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get the call-up.
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