Wizards reportedly weighing distressed-star bids while positioning as salary-dump landing spot
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The Washington Wizards, fresh off last summer’s deal for Cam Whitmore and a trade earlier this month for Trae Young, are expected to keep pursuing high-upside players who need a change of scenery as the trade deadline approaches, league sources told The Athletic.
Possible targets
Multiple team executives cited New Orleans forward Zion Williamson as a player Washington is monitoring. Although the Pelicans have informed rival clubs that the former No. 1 overall pick is unavailable this season, several sources remain unconvinced he is entirely off the table.
Washington is not expected to surrender its most valuable assets—namely its own first-round selections—for Williamson, sources said. However, the franchise’s least favorable 2026 first-round pick, projected to convey from Oklahoma City, could interest New Orleans. Any deal for Williamson is viewed as a long shot and remains speculative, according to the report.
Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga was also mentioned as a distressed-asset possibility, though recent signals suggest the Wizards are not among the Warriors’ most aggressive suitors.
Cap-space strategy
Sitting roughly $30 million below the luxury-tax threshold, Washington is prepared to absorb unwanted multiyear contracts if those deals arrive packaged with young players or draft picks, sources said.
Toronto guard Immanuel Quickley ($32.5 million cap hit this season, three additional years) and Portland forward Jerami Grant ($32 million, plus two more seasons including a player option) were cited as examples of salaries their current teams might shed. The Raptors and Trail Blazers, however, are believed to prefer using those contracts to upgrade their rosters rather than attaching draft compensation to swap them for Khris Middleton’s $33 million expiring agreement.
Middleton’s outlook
Most executives surveyed expect Middleton to remain in Washington through the deadline and potentially explore a buyout afterward, the report noted.
Youth development a priority
The Wizards intend to avoid moves that could stunt the progress of key prospects Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly. While the club lacks a clear long-term answer at power forward, officials are more receptive to adding help at that spot.
Offseason plans
If Washington does not land a front-court upgrade before the deadline, the team is expected to search free agency this summer for a big man who can bolster defensive rebounding and rim protection.
Source: Hoops Rumors
