OKC Thunder vs. Washington Wizards, 2019-20 team preview
Similarly to a few other expected lottery bound teams, arguably the biggest moves of the Wizards’ offseason was tied to the front office and existing assets. Owner Ted Leonsis hired Tommy Sheppard as their new General Manager. However, like much of what happened in Washington this season even this situation wasn’t without drama.
Less than five minutes after the Raptors won the championship Adrian Wojnarowski was reporting the Wizards were prepared to offer Toronto’s head man Masai Ujiri an unprecedented deal with ownership stakes.
MLSE owner Larry Tanenbaum when asked about @wojespn report that Wizards owner @TedLeonsis is attempting to recruit Masai Ujiri with a $10-million a year offer and an ownership stake: pic.twitter.com/vQPzhtYHDH
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) June 14, 2019
Without much leeway financially Sheppard was limited in what he could do to reformulate the roster. Trading Beal was the only clear path to regrouping but if the Wizards were to do that it’s likely they would want to attach Wall and do a complete revamp. But with Wall set to start collecting on the first year of his super max few teams would be anxious to take on his contract given the circumstances.
With Beal accepting the extension it means Sheppard has limited maneuverability and very few existing assets. He hopes rookie Rui Hachimura selected ninth in the draft will be a start. Admiral Schofield selected 42nd could also be a sleeper (for what it’s worth T.I. pegged him for the first round).
Isaiah Thomas and Ish Smith were picked up in free agency to offset Wall while he recovers and the loss of Tomas Satoransky.
Sheppard made a few savvy moves jumping on teams who needed assistance. The Lakers who were desperate to clear cap space sent Moritz Wagner, Jemerrio Jones, and Isaac Bonga over. And he jumped in as the third team between the Nets (who were also looking to shed salary) and the Spurs which netted him 3-point sniper Davis Bertans.
Players Added:
Free Agency:
G: Ish Smith
G: Isaiah Thomas
Trade:
G: Isaac Bonga (trade with Lakers)
F/G: C.J. Miles (trade with Grizzlies)
F: Davis Bertans (trade with Spurs)
F: Jemerrio Jones (trade with Lakers)
C: Moritz Wagner (trade with Lakers)
Rookies:
F: Rui Hachimura (No. 9)
F: Admiral Schofield (No. 42, via trade from 76ers)
Departing Players:
Free Agents:
F: Trevor Ariza (signed with Kings)
F: Jeff Green (signed with Jazz)
F: Jabari Parker (signed with Hawks)
F: Bobby Portis (signed with Knicks)
F: Devin Robinson (signed with Raptors)
F: Jonathon Simmons (waived)
G: Chasson Randle (unrestricted)
F: Sam Dekker (unrestricted)
Trade:
G/F: Tomas Satoransky (traded to Bulls)
C: Dwight Howard (traded to Grizzlies)