Wizards’ Roster Shake-Up Continues with Kadary Richmond Signing Amid Season of Change
The Washington Wizards have turned their roster into a revolving door this season, and the latest move adds another intriguing piece to the puzzle. With a flurry of trades and short-term signings, this team looks almost unrecognizable compared to the group that tipped off the season back in October.
Over the past couple of months, the Wizards have gone full throttle into reshaping their identity. The headline moves, of course, were the blockbuster acquisitions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis-two All-Stars who immediately shift the franchise’s trajectory. But with every major addition comes a series of subtractions, and Washington has waved goodbye to key names like CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, Marvin Bagley III, and AJ Johnson.
This isn’t just a reset-it’s a full-scale renovation.
And it hasn’t stopped with the big names. Washington’s front office has been working the margins too, using 10-day contracts to test out potential depth pieces. That flexibility has been especially important in light of the Disabled Player Exception they received after Cam Whitmore was ruled out for the rest of the season.
Whitmore’s rookie campaign was cut short due to a diagnosis of blood clots-an unfortunate and serious setback for a young forward who had shown flashes of promise early on. With his absence leaving a hole in the rotation, the Wizards have been searching for someone who can help fill that gap, even if just in a developmental role.
Their first attempt came in the form of big man Skal Labissière, who earned a 10-day deal after turning heads with the Capital City Go-Go in the G-League. But Labissière’s brief stint didn’t quite move the needle, prompting the team to pivot once again.
Enter Kadary Richmond.
The 6-foot-6 guard out of St. John’s is the latest player to get a shot in D.C., signing a 10-day contract after a strong start with the Go-Go. Richmond originally joined the Wizards as an undrafted free agent this past offseason and has quietly built a case for himself in the G-League.
Through 11 games, he’s averaged 10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting an efficient 48.9% from the field and 33.3% from three. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they paint the picture of a player who can contribute in multiple ways on offense. He’s not just a scorer-he’s a playmaker who can move the ball and attack the glass.
What’s really caught the team’s attention, though, is his defense. Richmond has been a disruptor on that end, averaging 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. That kind of activity on the perimeter is exactly what the Wizards need as they look to build a more balanced, two-way roster.
At 24, Richmond isn’t a raw project-he’s a mature player looking for his shot. And while he may not log major minutes right away, this 10-day deal gives him a valuable opportunity to show what he can do in practice and potentially earn a longer look.
In a season defined by transition, the Wizards are clearly willing to experiment. For Richmond, this is a chance to prove he belongs-not just in the G-League, but on an NBA roster. And for Washington, it’s another step in a season-long search for the right pieces to support their new core.
The rebuild-or retool, depending on how you look at it-is in full swing. And Kadary Richmond is the latest name to watch as the Wizards continue to turn the page on their next chapter.