The Washington Wizards still have one roster spot sitting there as training camp approaches, and they don’t have to rush to fill it. They can keep the opening, then later turn a two-way player into a standard contract if that makes more sense. But if they do decide to use the spot now, the logic is pretty clear: this is about adding insurance, whether that means another big body or a backup point guard.
Anthony Gill is the familiar name, and plenty of fans would love to see him back. But from a pure talent standpoint, he doesn’t crack the top five options here.
He brings leadership, sure, but the Wizards already have Khris Middleton in that veteran role. If Washington uses this spot, it should be for depth that can help if injuries hit, not just for another voice in the room.
One of the biggest names on the board is also the least likely to land in Washington. Draymond Green belongs in the conversation because of what he still brings defensively.
The expectation is that he’ll get more money from the Golden State Warriors to stay, especially with LeBron James now in Philadelphia. Still, if Green were willing to take less to join a young, promising group, Washington would make sense.
He could come off the bench, tighten things up on defense, and serve as a mentor for younger players trying to improve on that end.
Nick Richards is another option, even though the Wizards already have DeAndre Ayton. That’s what makes him more of a luxury than a necessity.
But as a backup center, Richards would still bring useful rebounding and some solid minutes. He also works as a hedge in case Ayton gets traded during the season, or if a team puts together a strong enough package for Anthony Davis that suddenly changes Washington’s frontcourt picture.
On top of that, Richards is inexpensive and would still keep the Wizards below the luxury tax.
Killian Hayes comes with baggage, and plenty of it. The reputation around him is rough, but he’s still one of the better guard options left on the market.
He’s only 25, which keeps the upside conversation alive, even if his career has been a disappointment so far. There have been moments that hint at a useful role player, and that may be enough to justify a look in practice or a short preseason run.
Gary Payton II had a down season, and the numbers show it: he shot under 30% from three for the first time since 2020. Even so, he still stands as arguably the second-best guard Washington could sign this offseason.
If he gets back to being the 35% shooter from deep that he’s been before, he could become a valuable bench piece in a hurry. He also fits the kind of buy-low idea that could pay off later at the deadline.
Russell Westbrook isn’t the best free agent available, but he is the best player the Wizards could realistically add. He’s not the same guy he used to be, especially as a starter.
As a backup point guard, though, he still ranks among the better options in the league. His three-point shooting has improved, and he can run a second unit as a facilitator, which is something Washington needs right now.
He could also be a useful teacher for players like Bub Carrington, especially when it comes to finishing around the rim.
In Other News...
Wizards Missed On LeBron And Now The Rebuild Faces Its Truth Moment
The long-shot idea of LeBron James landing in Washington is off the table, and in a strange way that may be the cleanest outcome for a franchise still trying to sort out its direction. The Wizards have spent the last stretch collecting young talent and draft capital, and the whole point of that approach has been patience, not a sudden sprint toward relevance.
So now the focus returns to the rebuild itself and the players expected to carry it forward, from recent draft picks to the prospects still coming into view. Bringing in a star of LeBrons magnitude would have changed the calendar and likely forced a win-now pivot the Wizards were never built to make, which is why this moment feels less like a missed splash than a reality check. [Read more 🡒]