Wizards Hiring Clippers’ Michael Winger as Head of Basketball Operations

The Wizards have hired Clippers GM Michael Winger as president of basketball operations, making the decision about a month before the 2023 NBA Draft, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Winger spent considerable time weighing whether to leave the Clippers, having worked there since 2017. He worked in the Thunder’s front office before that.

Washington was looking to replace Tommy Sheppard, fired after the season. Team owner Ted Leonsis reportedly made it clear during interviews for a new general manager that Wes Unseld Jr. will remain on as coach. 

Former Georgetown coach and current Wizards executive John Thompson III helped lead the search, per multiple reports.

Pelicans GM Trajan Langdon also interviewed for the position, and Bucks assistant GM Milt Newton reportedly had a more formal conversation with the Wizards.

Winger had other opportunities to leave the Clippers over the past few seasons, but decided to remain in LA and work under head of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.

“Winger inherits a Wizards franchise that has missed the playoffs in four of five seasons, one that needs to build out a new infrastructure and manage difficult payroll decisions on a roster that could need significant overhaul,” Wojnarowski wrote.