The Washington Wizards are looking to get involved in the free agency frenzy. The team was reportedly looking at several big men to help with rebuilding and eventually replace an aging Nene, but it appears that could be on the losing end of the race in the coming months. The Wizards are planning on being careful with who they target this season because the team has several ideas for the following season that include Kevin Durant and potentially Jimmy Butler.
The Wizards have several players that they plan on looking at the free agency and the biggest one of all is Kevin Durant. First and foremost, Durant has not said what is free agency plans are next season, instead stressing his commitment to the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel is reporting that Durant is expected to signed with the Washington Wizards if he does leave the Thunder. Durant heading to the Wizards is certainly nothing new. The star is a native of the Washington D.C. area which makes the move understandable. The Wizards would be able to offer him a top-dollar contract in 2016 and they have players like John Wall to make the move worth it.
Putting all of the team eggs in the Durant basket is dangerous. The Wizards stand a very good chance of not getting Durant at all which would leave the team empty handed, so what about someone like Jimmy Butler, available now. According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Butler is looking to sign a short-term deal in order to capitalize when the NBA salary caps increase in a year. Butler has reportedly be having issues with Derrick Rose and teaming up with Wall instead might be enticing to the league's most improved player.
Contracts are an issue for the Wizards regardless. The team will need to make a decision on Bradley Beal who is available for an extension now. Otto Porter has team options for the next two seasons. Wall and Marcin Gortat are the guaranteed returning players. If the Wizards really want Durant, a deal for someone like Beal might be out of the question. A short-term contract for Butler might be more enticing. There is also the need for defense as Paul Millsap and Greg Monroe will be available over stars like Marc Gasol or DeAndre Jordan.