Wizards Announce Michael Winger as Head of Basketball Operations

The Wizards have officially named Michael Winger as the new head of basketball operations, the team announced in a press release.

“Michael’s vast experience and broad range of executive-level skills will provide stability, accountability and leadership for all of our basketball franchises,” Wizards owner Ted Leonsis said in a statement.  “His influence on helping to restore and sustain excellence at three different teams aligns with our goal of building championship contenders while his collaborative approach supports our shared services structure.”

Winger comes from the Clippers, where he served as GM under Lawrence Frank since 2018. Before that, he worked in the Thunder’s front office from 2011-18, and the Cavaliers’ front office from 2005-10.

Now, he will oversee all aspects of Monumental Basketball, including the Capital City Go-Go of the G League and Washington Mystics of the WNBA.

“I am honored to lead Monumental Basketball, with all three teams standing as proud representations of a unique and powerful region that has shown loyalty and patience throughout various levels of success,” Winger said.  “There is much work to do, but I am confident we can build our programs on sustainable principles that will underscore all of our decisions, re-establishing the prestige and status that we can celebrate with our deserving fans.”

Winger and Leonsis will immediately begin the search for a lead executive, similar to the role he held with the Clippers.

Per the Wizards, whoever is hired for that job “will also oversee the Go-Go and report directly to Winger along with Mystics GM Mike Thibault.”