Give the Wizards credit. They know exactly who they are — and they aren’t pretending otherwise.
“There’s the laying-the-foundation phase. There’s the building it back up, and then there’s fortifying what you build,” GM Will Dawkins said before the season. “We’re still focused on deconstructing and laying that foundation. And I think that’s important to remind everyone that we’re still early.”
Well, “early” came with plenty of bruises. The Wizards endured two 16-game losing streaks this past season, finishing with the NBA’s worst record. But that’s the price of pouring a real foundation. They were also the youngest team in the league by playing time, trotting out seven players aged 23 or younger.
And through all the losing? A few encouraging flickers.
Building Blocks Are Emerging
Second-year wing Bilal Coulibaly flashed elite defensive instincts before a hamstring injury ended his season in March. The advanced metrics backed it up—he ranked top-15 in field goal percentage allowed as the closest defender (via Second Spectrum).
Meanwhile, rookie Alex Sarr found his groove post-All-Star break, averaging 16.8 points and hitting 38% from deep. That’s why you draft upside. That’s why you wait.
The February trade deadline also brought surprising returns. With Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart in the lineup together, Washington went 5-4 — a minor miracle by this team’s standards. They played smarter, defended better, and looked semi-functional. And next season, Saddiq Bey is expected back after a torn ACL. He averaged 13.7 points with Atlanta before the injury.
Draft Capital, Flexibility, and a Plan
Washington will pick near the top of the lottery again this June. They have a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick, plus a first-rounder from Memphis and three second-rounders. It’s not just about this draft either — the Wizards hold 26 picks through 2032, including 10 first-rounders. Four of those were acquired in the past two seasons. That’s long-term thinking.
They also preserved cap space flexibility while adding assets. The Middleton and Smart deals brought back Memphis’ 2025 first, a 2028 pick swap with Milwaukee, and prospect AJ Johnson.
Washington has $14 million below the tax and $20 million in non-guaranteed contracts to manage (Richaun Holmes, Justin Champagnie, Anthony Gill, Colby Jones). They’ll also have the non-taxpayer midlevel ($14.1M), biannual exception ($5.1M), and three trade exceptions ($9.9M, $5.3M, $2.5M).
Not splashy, but plenty of room to maneuver.
Veterans, Poole, and the Locker Room Puzzle
There’s also the question of what to do with the vets. Middleton, Smart, and Holmes are all on expiring contracts totaling nearly $70 million. Do the Wizards flip them for more picks? Or value their impact in guiding a young locker room?
Then there’s Jordan Poole. One year ago, his contract was seen as a disaster. Now? He averaged career-highs across the board—points, assists, steals, 3-point percentage—and his confidence returned. Poole’s deal still has two years ($31.8M and $34M), and he’s extension-eligible for up to $154M over three years starting Oct. 1.
Said Poole to Andscape: “The ceiling is high [in Washington]… A lot of talented guys, a lot of guys who just love to hoop.”
If the production continues and the vibe stays right, the Wizards have a decision to make.
Top Offseason Priority: The Draft
The Wizards have five picks in this draft, including a likely top-4 and one in the mid-20s. Last year, they packaged the 51st pick to move up and grab Kyshawn George, who started 36 games and averaged 8.6 points. With 16 future second-rounders in hand, don’t be surprised if they try that move again.
Biggest Needs: Shooting, Defense, and Rebounding
Washington finished last in offensive efficiency and 28th defensively. They were also 29th in 3-point percentage. Yeah … that’s not going to cut it. They desperately need:
- More perimeter shooting
- A big who can defend the rim and guard the perimeter
- Toughness across the board
If they can check even one of those boxes this summer, it’s a win.
Long-Term Outlook: Eyes on 2026
Look ahead, and the Wizards could have $80 million in cap space by 2026-27. That’s when things might finally flip. But for now, it’s still the teardown.
And that’s OK.
Because for the first time in a long time, the Wizards aren’t chasing mediocrity. They’re playing the long game — with patience, picks, and a plan.
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