The Washington Wizards have done most of the heavy lifting already, and that’s what makes their remaining hole stand out even more. For all the talent they’ve assembled - Trae Young, Anthony Davis, reigning No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, and more - there’s still one spot on the roster that needs real attention.
That issue is depth in the frontcourt. Right now, Davis and Alex Sarr are the only reliable bigs on the roster, which leaves Washington thin if an emergency pops up. The Wizards were already linked to a possible reunion with Marvin Bagley III, but that door closed when he signed with the Denver Nuggets.
So the market is thinner now, but there are still a few names who could fit at the right price.
Nick Richards is one of them. Now with the Chicago Bulls, the 28-year-old has had an interesting career path after once looking like a steady backup big, or even a borderline starter, during his time with the Charlotte Hornets.
His role has shifted since then, but the appeal is still obvious: he plays with physicality, rebounds well, and gives you a rim-running presence. Put that next to Trae Young, and it’s easy to see why he makes sense.
Andre Drummond is another possibility, though his fit depends on how he sees the market. A viral social media clip in which Drummond suggested he’s no longer willing to take pay cuts could complicate things, but if the offers don’t come, that stance could soften.
The former top 10 pick is coming off a productive season with the Philadelphia 76ers, putting up 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds while shooting 47.2% from the floor and 35.6% from three. Yes, Andre Drummond now shoots threes.
As a backup, he’d be exactly the kind of big who can step in when needed and still move like he’s in his late 20s.
Then there’s Kevin Love, the most veteran name of the group and probably the least flashy, but maybe the most straightforward fit. The 37-year-old spent last season with the Utah Jazz and appeared in 37 games, including five starts, while averaging 6.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 39.7% shooting from the field and 37.3% from deep. He brings championship experience, floor spacing, and the kind of basketball IQ that makes him a sensible low-cost option.
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Wizards Rumored Move Feels Like The Same Frustrating Mistake Again
Washingtons roster has obvious work to do up front, so any reported free-agent interest that points in a different direction naturally draws some skepticism. NBA insider Jake Fischer says the Wizards have shown interest in guard Gabe Vincent, a move that would add another backcourt name to a team still trying to sort out its bigger lineup priorities.
Vincent is coming off a season that did little to boost his stock, which only sharpens the question of fit for a Washington team that needs clearer answers, not more clutter. Even if the price is right, the wider concern is whether this kind of addition helps the Wizards move forward at all, or just repeats a pattern that has frustrated fans before. [Read more 🡒]
LeBron James To The Wizards Is Suddenly A Real Conversation
LeBron James entering free agency with happiness, not maximum money, as the top priority has nudged an unexpected team into the conversation: the Wizards. Washington does not look like a finished contender, but it does have young talent on the roster and enough flexibility to at least imagine a scenario in which a star of that magnitude could be fit onto the books.
Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson give the franchise a few building blocks, and the idea of adding James would instantly change the tone around the rebuild. Still, the more obvious landing spots for him remain elsewhere, which is why the Wizards angle feels less like a prediction than a reminder that Washington can at least be mentioned in the same breath as the biggest names on the market. [Read more 🡒]