Washington Wizards Archives - SportzBonanza SportzBonanza Sun, 25 Feb 2024 09:54:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Isn’t Too Happy About Losing His Place as a Starter https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-guard-jordan-poole-isnt-too-happy-about-losing-his-place-as-a-starter/ Sat, 24 Feb 2024 06:14:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23741 Jordan Poole with the WolverinesThe Washington Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe demoted guard Jordan Poole, the team’s highest-paid player, to the bench unit after the All-Star break. And it is safe to say that Poole isn’t too happy about losing his place in the starting lineup. Poole spoke with reporters after a 130-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, […]

The post Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Isn’t Too Happy About Losing His Place as a Starter appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe demoted guard Jordan Poole, the team’s highest-paid player, to the bench unit after the All-Star break. And it is safe to say that Poole isn’t too happy about losing his place in the starting lineup.

Poole spoke with reporters after a 130-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, his first game as a bench player this season, and expressed frustration about his new role.

“If there’s any common sense with the situation, you should know how I feel,” Poole, who scored 18 points off the bench, told Washington Post’s Ava Wallace. “But I’m just going to come out, do what I can do to help the team, keep it moving.”

Benching Poole allowed the Wizards to get an extended look at rookie Bilal Coulibaly, their seventh overall pick  Speaking about his decision to bench Poole, Keefe said that the move could benefit Poole in the long run.

“It’s really a positive. It’s actually a credit to Jordan, Jordan’s been one of our highest net ratings since I’ve taken over, and I just want to see more of that,” Keefe told reporters ahead of the Nuggets’ game. “This gives him an opportunity now, being in that unit, to be the lead handler, lead decision-maker, and kind of be our offensive engine.”

Jordan Poole joined the Wizards in the offseason as part of the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors. Poole, who is in the first year of four four-year, $128 million extension he signed while he was with the Warriors, was expected to be one of the key players for Washington as they go through a rebuild. However, that hasn’t been the case so far.

Poole received criticism for making poor decisions on the court and taking too many shots. He is currently averaging 15.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game but only shooting 39.6% from the field and 30.3% on three-pointers.

The post Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Isn’t Too Happy About Losing His Place as a Starter appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Rejected a Trade to the Mavericks https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-kyle-kuzma-rejected-a-trade-to-the-mavericks/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:24:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23658 Kyle Kuzma at the Sports Illustrated Third Annual Fashionable 50 in 2018Before acquiring PJ Washington in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks had another plan; they wanted to get Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma. The only problem was that Kuzma didn’t want to go to Dallas. Speaking with The Athletic earlier this week, Kuzma revealed that the Wizards had an […]

The post Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Rejected a Trade to the Mavericks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

Before acquiring PJ Washington in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks had another plan; they wanted to get Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma. The only problem was that Kuzma didn’t want to go to Dallas.

Speaking with The Athletic earlier this week, Kuzma revealed that the Wizards had an offer from the Mavs for him and that Washington’s president, Michael Winger, was willing to accept it if Kuzma wanted to go. However, the 28-year-old player preferred to stay put, prompting Winger to rebuff Dallas’s interest.

“There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me,” Kuzma said. “Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn’t want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it.”

While Kuzma didn’t get a no-trade clause as part of the four-year, $102 million deal he signed with the Wizards in the summer, the franchise’s brass promised him that he’d have input if a trade opportunity presented itself. That was unless the offer they received was something that the team couldn’t afford to pass on.

Winger obviously felt that the Mavs’ offer wasn’t in the “can’t refuse” realm, prompting him to reach out to Kuzma and leave the decision up to him. And perhaps surprisingly, Kuzma decided he likes it more with the rebuilding Wizards than the contending Mavericks.

Kuzma has been playing arguably his best season since turning pro in 2023-24. He is averaging a career-high 21.8 points and 4.2 assists to go with 6.3 rebounds.

The post Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Rejected a Trade to the Mavericks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards Move Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Front Office https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-move-head-coach-wes-unseld-jr-to-front-office/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 06:12:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23519 Wes Unseld Jr.The Washington Wizards just made a significant move in hopes of turning around their struggling franchise. The team announced on Thursday that head coach Wes Unseld Jr. is stepping down from his position and taking over an advisory role in the front office. The Wizards intend to hire an interim head coach to end the […]

The post Wizards Move Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Front Office appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards just made a significant move in hopes of turning around their struggling franchise. The team announced on Thursday that head coach Wes Unseld Jr. is stepping down from his position and taking over an advisory role in the front office.

The Wizards intend to hire an interim head coach to end the 2023-24 season before undertaking a “comprehensive search in the offseason” for a permanent head coach.

Unseld was hired as the Wizard’s head coach ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. During his time in charge, he compiled a 77-130 record. Currently, the Washington team finds itself sitting at a 7-36 record, second-worst in the league.

“I am grateful to have served as head coach of the Washington Wizards,” said Unseld in a statement released by the team. “I look forward to this new opportunity to work toward our organization’s continued progress.”

The 2023-24 was viewed as a rebuilding season for the Washington Wizards, although the franchise probably didn’t expect to play poorly as it did so far in the campaign. The Wizards moved several key players in the offseason, including trading franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns and moving All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics.

The good news for the Wizards is that they have several talented pieces on their roster and draft assets to execute a successful rebuild. However, things will likely become even worse for the team’s fans before they get better.

The post Wizards Move Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Front Office appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Pistons Trade Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Wizards https://sportzbonanza.com/pistons-trade-marvin-bagley-iii-and-isaiah-livers-to-wizards/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:12:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23410 Marvin Bagley III with Duke in March 2018The slumping Detroit Pistons made a trade over the weekend, but not the one their fans hoped for. Instead of swinging for a star that could change their fortunes in a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the Pistons opted to do a salary cap-inspired deal with the Washington Wizards. The trade will see the Pistons sending Marvin […]

The post Pistons Trade Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The slumping Detroit Pistons made a trade over the weekend, but not the one their fans hoped for. Instead of swinging for a star that could change their fortunes in a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the Pistons opted to do a salary cap-inspired deal with the Washington Wizards.

The trade will see the Pistons sending Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to the Wizards while acquiring veterans Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala. As part of the deal, Washington will also get two second-round picks.

The motivation for the Pistons here is to shed some salary. Both Gallinari and Muscala are not expected to contribute much but are both on expiring contracts. Bagley, on the other hand, has a guaranteed $12.5 million salary for the next season.

Wizards, on the other hand, get a pair of second-rounders that they could package in other deals. Also, they will get a young role player in Bagley. The second overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft hasn’t lived up to his potential but has been solid in a lesser role. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26 games this season.

This was a trade between two bottom teams in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons are at No. 15 with a 4-36 record, while the Wizards are one spot ahead at 7-32.

The post Pistons Trade Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Deni Avdija Agrees to Four-Year Wizards’ Extension https://sportzbonanza.com/deni-avdija-agrees-to-four-year-wizards-extension/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:32:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=22361 Deni Avdija with Maccabi Tel AvivThe Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has agreed to a contract extension with the team, his agents, Doug Neustadt and Matan Siman-Tov revealed to ESPN. The four-year extension is worth $55 million. Avdija’s agreement comes just in time considering the Monday afternoon deadline for rookie scale contracts for members of the NBA Draft class of 2020. The […]

The post Deni Avdija Agrees to Four-Year Wizards’ Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has agreed to a contract extension with the team, his agents, Doug Neustadt and Matan Siman-Tov revealed to ESPN. The four-year extension is worth $55 million.

Avdija’s agreement comes just in time considering the Monday afternoon deadline for rookie scale contracts for members of the NBA Draft class of 2020. The ninth overall pick in his draft, Avdija has evolved into a capable small forward and is expected to take on a dual role for the Wizards in the new season.

The 22-year-old player who holds dual citizenship in Israel and Serbia, played for Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv before entering the NBA draft in 2020. Last season, Avdija averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 76 games.

The post Deni Avdija Agrees to Four-Year Wizards’ Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Veteran Forward Taj Gibson Returns to the Wizard https://sportzbonanza.com/veteran-forward-taj-gibson-returns-to-the-wizard/ Sun, 17 Sep 2023 06:30:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21926 Taj Gibson with the Minnesota Timberwolves.Veteran forward Taj Gibson won’t ride off to the sunset anytime soon. Gibson, who turned 38 in June, agreed to a return to the Washington Wizards for what will be his 15th season in the NBA. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Gibson inked a one-year deal that will see him earning $3.2 million in the […]

The post Veteran Forward Taj Gibson Returns to the Wizard appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

Veteran forward Taj Gibson won’t ride off to the sunset anytime soon. Gibson, who turned 38 in June, agreed to a return to the Washington Wizards for what will be his 15th season in the NBA.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Gibson inked a one-year deal that will see him earning $3.2 million in the 2023-24 NBA season. The news was confirmed by the player’s agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports.

Gibson signed as a free agent with the Wizard last summer. While he hasn’t filled the scoreboard, averaging a career-low 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, the veteran brought valuable veteran leadership that the coaching staff appreciated.

Washington probably doesn’t count on Gibson to make much impact on the court this upcoming season and views him as a mentor to their younger play. He will also be a reliable backup at center and forward positions, considering that the team traded Kristaps Porzingis earlier in the offseason.

Taj Gibson started his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls as a late first-round pick in 2009. Gibson left the franchise after seven and a half seasons and went on to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the New York Knicks. His career averages include 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

The post Veteran Forward Taj Gibson Returns to the Wizard appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Boston Celtics Finalizing a Trade for Kristaps Porzingis With the Wizards https://sportzbonanza.com/boston-celtics-finalizing-a-trade-for-kristaps-porzingis-with-the-wizards/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:11:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21365 Kristaps Porzingis at the 12th Annual God's Love We Deliver "Golden Heart Awards" in 2018The Boston Celtics are reportedly finalizing a trade that will see them land big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. It is a three-way trade that also includes the Memphis Grizzlies. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics will get Porzingis, 2023 first-round pick (No. 25), and 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State; […]

The post Boston Celtics Finalizing a Trade for Kristaps Porzingis With the Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Boston Celtics are reportedly finalizing a trade that will see them land big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. It is a three-way trade that also includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics will get Porzingis, 2023 first-round pick (No. 25), and 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State; top-four protected), while sending guard Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. The Wizards will receive Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala and the No. 35 selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The teams are still working on the finer details of the deal, as Porzingis needs to opt into his player option for 2023-24 for the trade to come through. The 27-year-old player’s option is worth $36 million.

The Wizards and the Celtics previously had a similar trade in the works, which included sending Malcolm Brogdon to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the LA team decided to pull the breaks on the deal due to concerns about Brogdon’s health.

This move makes a lot of sense for Boston, considering that their starting power forward Al Horford is not getting any younger. Porzingis is a better offensive player than Horford and has shown that he can play outstanding defense when he wants to. Porzingis also gives the Celtics more positional versatility, as he can successfully play the center position.

Porzingis struggled to stay healthy in some previous seasons but managed to play 65 games this past season, which is the most since his sophomore year in the league. He finished the campaign averaging career-high 23.2 points alongside 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

The Wizards, on the other hand, continue tearing down their team. They have previously traded franchise star Bradley Beal and moving on from Porzingis signals that the team is in a full rebuild. Washington will now get a promising player in Jones and more draft capital.

Finally, the Grizzlies solidify their point guard position with Smart. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year complements nicely with their star Ja Morant, being able to step in for Moran when he rests or play on the wing.

The post Boston Celtics Finalizing a Trade for Kristaps Porzingis With the Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Kyle Kuzma to Become Free Agent After Declining Contract Option https://sportzbonanza.com/kyle-kuzma-to-become-free-agent-after-declining-contract-option/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:40:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21362 Kyle Kuzma at the Sports Illustrated Third Annual Fashionable 50 in 2018The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is set to become a free agent after he reportedly declined his $13 million player option, sources revealed to ESPN on Tuesday. Averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over the course of last season, Kuzma is already being regarded as one of the most appealing players to […]

The post Kyle Kuzma to Become Free Agent After Declining Contract Option appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is set to become a free agent after he reportedly declined his $13 million player option, sources revealed to ESPN on Tuesday.

Averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over the course of last season, Kuzma is already being regarded as one of the most appealing players to hit free agency this summer.

Kuzma had previously told reporters that he would be willing to stay in Washington, however, his opinion has appeared to change following the restructuring of the franchise at the end of last season. General manager Tommy Sheppard was dismissed, with former Clippers GM Michael Winger taking charge.

Selected as the number 27 pick overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma made an almost immediate impact for his team, averaging 19 points per game once he got into his second season.

While his role was downgraded following the arrival of Anthony Davis, Kuzma played a role in the Lakers’ NBA Championship triumph in 2020. Less than two years later, Kuzma joined the Wizards as part of the deal that saw Russell Westbrook move in the opposite direction.

The post Kyle Kuzma to Become Free Agent After Declining Contract Option appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards Set to Trade All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-set-to-trade-all-star-bradley-beal-to-the-suns/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:45:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21343 Bradley Beal in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017It’s an end of an era for the Washington Wizards. According to multiple reports, the Wizards agreed to a trade that will send their All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. Reportedly, the Wizards will get a package that includes veteran point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and a picks […]

The post Wizards Set to Trade All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

It’s an end of an era for the Washington Wizards. According to multiple reports, the Wizards agreed to a trade that will send their All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns.

Reportedly, the Wizards will get a package that includes veteran point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and a picks swap options. The Suns, on the other hand, form a new Big 3 with Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant.

The trade is still not official, as the Wizards are trying to get a third team involved in an attempt to offload Paul and allow him to play for a contender next season.

The Washington Wizards signed Beal to a five-year, $251 million max contract last summer with the intention of building a contending team around him. However, after missing out on the playoffs in 2022-23, it became clear that the Wizards don’t have a pathway to be relevant as currently constructed.

Wizards’ new president of basketball operation Michael Winger decided to opt for a rebuild this offseason, and in order to do so, the team needed to move on from Beal and his massive contract. The issue for Washington was that Beal received a no-trade clause, which heavily limited his market.

Last week, Beal and the Wizards agreed to explore trade options, and things picked up quickly after that. Several teams reached out to make an inquiry for the player, but the Suns and the Miami Heat emerged as the most viable options. In the end, Beal wanted to go to Phoenix and used his leverage to get the Wizards to accept what looks like an extremely underwhelming deal.

Bradley Beal spent all of his 11 years as a pro with the Wizards. He earned three All-Star nods during that time while also making the All-NBA Third Team in 2021. Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 50 games last season.

The post Wizards Set to Trade All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards Looking to Make Trade Deal Involving Bradley Beal https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-look-to-make-trade-deal-involving-bradley-beal/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 06:11:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21306 Bradley Beal with the Washington Wizards in 2022The Washington Wizards team president Michael Winger is in close contact with Bradley Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, over the possibility of working out a trade deal involving the player. This comes after several teams expressed an interest in signing the three-time All-Star guard. Beal has a unique standing as the only NBA player to […]

The post Wizards Looking to Make Trade Deal Involving Bradley Beal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards team president Michael Winger is in close contact with Bradley Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, over the possibility of working out a trade deal involving the player. This comes after several teams expressed an interest in signing the three-time All-Star guard.

Beal has a unique standing as the only NBA player to have a no-trade clause negotiated into his contract, putting him in complete control of selecting his next destination should a deal be concluded. He is currently on a five-year, $251 million contract with the Wizards.

As the NBA draft on June 22 fast approaches with the free agency following on July 1, conversations with Beal’s agent are expected to become more frequent. In addition to Beal’s potential move, the Wizards are also waiting on the contract option decisions of forwards Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, who are poised to become unrestricted free agents.

To date, Beal has played all 11 of his NBA seasons in Washington. Last season, he averaged 23.2 points and recorded a career-best 51% shooting despite facing an injury last season.

The post Wizards Looking to Make Trade Deal Involving Bradley Beal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
ersion="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> Washington Wizards Archives - SportzBonanza SportzBonanza Sun, 25 Feb 2024 09:54:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Isn’t Too Happy About Losing His Place as a Starter https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-guard-jordan-poole-isnt-too-happy-about-losing-his-place-as-a-starter/ Sat, 24 Feb 2024 06:14:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23741 Jordan Poole with the WolverinesThe Washington Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe demoted guard Jordan Poole, the team’s highest-paid player, to the bench unit after the All-Star break. And it is safe to say that Poole isn’t too happy about losing his place in the starting lineup. Poole spoke with reporters after a 130-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, […]

The post Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Isn’t Too Happy About Losing His Place as a Starter appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards interim head coach Brian Keefe demoted guard Jordan Poole, the team’s highest-paid player, to the bench unit after the All-Star break. And it is safe to say that Poole isn’t too happy about losing his place in the starting lineup.

Poole spoke with reporters after a 130-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, his first game as a bench player this season, and expressed frustration about his new role.

“If there’s any common sense with the situation, you should know how I feel,” Poole, who scored 18 points off the bench, told Washington Post’s Ava Wallace. “But I’m just going to come out, do what I can do to help the team, keep it moving.”

Benching Poole allowed the Wizards to get an extended look at rookie Bilal Coulibaly, their seventh overall pick  Speaking about his decision to bench Poole, Keefe said that the move could benefit Poole in the long run.

“It’s really a positive. It’s actually a credit to Jordan, Jordan’s been one of our highest net ratings since I’ve taken over, and I just want to see more of that,” Keefe told reporters ahead of the Nuggets’ game. “This gives him an opportunity now, being in that unit, to be the lead handler, lead decision-maker, and kind of be our offensive engine.”

Jordan Poole joined the Wizards in the offseason as part of the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors. Poole, who is in the first year of four four-year, $128 million extension he signed while he was with the Warriors, was expected to be one of the key players for Washington as they go through a rebuild. However, that hasn’t been the case so far.

Poole received criticism for making poor decisions on the court and taking too many shots. He is currently averaging 15.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game but only shooting 39.6% from the field and 30.3% on three-pointers.

The post Wizards Guard Jordan Poole Isn’t Too Happy About Losing His Place as a Starter appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Rejected a Trade to the Mavericks https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-kyle-kuzma-rejected-a-trade-to-the-mavericks/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 06:24:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23658 Kyle Kuzma at the Sports Illustrated Third Annual Fashionable 50 in 2018Before acquiring PJ Washington in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks had another plan; they wanted to get Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma. The only problem was that Kuzma didn’t want to go to Dallas. Speaking with The Athletic earlier this week, Kuzma revealed that the Wizards had an […]

The post Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Rejected a Trade to the Mavericks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

Before acquiring PJ Washington in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks had another plan; they wanted to get Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma. The only problem was that Kuzma didn’t want to go to Dallas.

Speaking with The Athletic earlier this week, Kuzma revealed that the Wizards had an offer from the Mavs for him and that Washington’s president, Michael Winger, was willing to accept it if Kuzma wanted to go. However, the 28-year-old player preferred to stay put, prompting Winger to rebuff Dallas’s interest.

“There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me,” Kuzma said. “Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn’t want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it.”

While Kuzma didn’t get a no-trade clause as part of the four-year, $102 million deal he signed with the Wizards in the summer, the franchise’s brass promised him that he’d have input if a trade opportunity presented itself. That was unless the offer they received was something that the team couldn’t afford to pass on.

Winger obviously felt that the Mavs’ offer wasn’t in the “can’t refuse” realm, prompting him to reach out to Kuzma and leave the decision up to him. And perhaps surprisingly, Kuzma decided he likes it more with the rebuilding Wizards than the contending Mavericks.

Kuzma has been playing arguably his best season since turning pro in 2023-24. He is averaging a career-high 21.8 points and 4.2 assists to go with 6.3 rebounds.

The post Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Rejected a Trade to the Mavericks appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards Move Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Front Office https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-move-head-coach-wes-unseld-jr-to-front-office/ Fri, 26 Jan 2024 06:12:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23519 Wes Unseld Jr.The Washington Wizards just made a significant move in hopes of turning around their struggling franchise. The team announced on Thursday that head coach Wes Unseld Jr. is stepping down from his position and taking over an advisory role in the front office. The Wizards intend to hire an interim head coach to end the […]

The post Wizards Move Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Front Office appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards just made a significant move in hopes of turning around their struggling franchise. The team announced on Thursday that head coach Wes Unseld Jr. is stepping down from his position and taking over an advisory role in the front office.

The Wizards intend to hire an interim head coach to end the 2023-24 season before undertaking a “comprehensive search in the offseason” for a permanent head coach.

Unseld was hired as the Wizard’s head coach ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. During his time in charge, he compiled a 77-130 record. Currently, the Washington team finds itself sitting at a 7-36 record, second-worst in the league.

“I am grateful to have served as head coach of the Washington Wizards,” said Unseld in a statement released by the team. “I look forward to this new opportunity to work toward our organization’s continued progress.”

The 2023-24 was viewed as a rebuilding season for the Washington Wizards, although the franchise probably didn’t expect to play poorly as it did so far in the campaign. The Wizards moved several key players in the offseason, including trading franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns and moving All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics.

The good news for the Wizards is that they have several talented pieces on their roster and draft assets to execute a successful rebuild. However, things will likely become even worse for the team’s fans before they get better.

The post Wizards Move Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. to Front Office appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Pistons Trade Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Wizards https://sportzbonanza.com/pistons-trade-marvin-bagley-iii-and-isaiah-livers-to-wizards/ Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:12:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=23410 Marvin Bagley III with Duke in March 2018The slumping Detroit Pistons made a trade over the weekend, but not the one their fans hoped for. Instead of swinging for a star that could change their fortunes in a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the Pistons opted to do a salary cap-inspired deal with the Washington Wizards. The trade will see the Pistons sending Marvin […]

The post Pistons Trade Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The slumping Detroit Pistons made a trade over the weekend, but not the one their fans hoped for. Instead of swinging for a star that could change their fortunes in a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the Pistons opted to do a salary cap-inspired deal with the Washington Wizards.

The trade will see the Pistons sending Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to the Wizards while acquiring veterans Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala. As part of the deal, Washington will also get two second-round picks.

The motivation for the Pistons here is to shed some salary. Both Gallinari and Muscala are not expected to contribute much but are both on expiring contracts. Bagley, on the other hand, has a guaranteed $12.5 million salary for the next season.

Wizards, on the other hand, get a pair of second-rounders that they could package in other deals. Also, they will get a young role player in Bagley. The second overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft hasn’t lived up to his potential but has been solid in a lesser role. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26 games this season.

This was a trade between two bottom teams in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons are at No. 15 with a 4-36 record, while the Wizards are one spot ahead at 7-32.

The post Pistons Trade Marvin Bagley III and Isaiah Livers to Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Deni Avdija Agrees to Four-Year Wizards’ Extension https://sportzbonanza.com/deni-avdija-agrees-to-four-year-wizards-extension/ Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:32:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=22361 Deni Avdija with Maccabi Tel AvivThe Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has agreed to a contract extension with the team, his agents, Doug Neustadt and Matan Siman-Tov revealed to ESPN. The four-year extension is worth $55 million. Avdija’s agreement comes just in time considering the Monday afternoon deadline for rookie scale contracts for members of the NBA Draft class of 2020. The […]

The post Deni Avdija Agrees to Four-Year Wizards’ Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija has agreed to a contract extension with the team, his agents, Doug Neustadt and Matan Siman-Tov revealed to ESPN. The four-year extension is worth $55 million.

Avdija’s agreement comes just in time considering the Monday afternoon deadline for rookie scale contracts for members of the NBA Draft class of 2020. The ninth overall pick in his draft, Avdija has evolved into a capable small forward and is expected to take on a dual role for the Wizards in the new season.

The 22-year-old player who holds dual citizenship in Israel and Serbia, played for Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv before entering the NBA draft in 2020. Last season, Avdija averaged 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.9 steals in 76 games.

The post Deni Avdija Agrees to Four-Year Wizards’ Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Veteran Forward Taj Gibson Returns to the Wizard https://sportzbonanza.com/veteran-forward-taj-gibson-returns-to-the-wizard/ Sun, 17 Sep 2023 06:30:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21926 Taj Gibson with the Minnesota Timberwolves.Veteran forward Taj Gibson won’t ride off to the sunset anytime soon. Gibson, who turned 38 in June, agreed to a return to the Washington Wizards for what will be his 15th season in the NBA. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Gibson inked a one-year deal that will see him earning $3.2 million in the […]

The post Veteran Forward Taj Gibson Returns to the Wizard appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

Veteran forward Taj Gibson won’t ride off to the sunset anytime soon. Gibson, who turned 38 in June, agreed to a return to the Washington Wizards for what will be his 15th season in the NBA.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Gibson inked a one-year deal that will see him earning $3.2 million in the 2023-24 NBA season. The news was confirmed by the player’s agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports.

Gibson signed as a free agent with the Wizard last summer. While he hasn’t filled the scoreboard, averaging a career-low 3.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, the veteran brought valuable veteran leadership that the coaching staff appreciated.

Washington probably doesn’t count on Gibson to make much impact on the court this upcoming season and views him as a mentor to their younger play. He will also be a reliable backup at center and forward positions, considering that the team traded Kristaps Porzingis earlier in the offseason.

Taj Gibson started his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls as a late first-round pick in 2009. Gibson left the franchise after seven and a half seasons and went on to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the New York Knicks. His career averages include 8.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

The post Veteran Forward Taj Gibson Returns to the Wizard appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Boston Celtics Finalizing a Trade for Kristaps Porzingis With the Wizards https://sportzbonanza.com/boston-celtics-finalizing-a-trade-for-kristaps-porzingis-with-the-wizards/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 08:11:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21365 Kristaps Porzingis at the 12th Annual God's Love We Deliver "Golden Heart Awards" in 2018The Boston Celtics are reportedly finalizing a trade that will see them land big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. It is a three-way trade that also includes the Memphis Grizzlies. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics will get Porzingis, 2023 first-round pick (No. 25), and 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State; […]

The post Boston Celtics Finalizing a Trade for Kristaps Porzingis With the Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Boston Celtics are reportedly finalizing a trade that will see them land big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards. It is a three-way trade that also includes the Memphis Grizzlies.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Celtics will get Porzingis, 2023 first-round pick (No. 25), and 2024 first-round pick (via Golden State; top-four protected), while sending guard Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. The Wizards will receive Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala and the No. 35 selection in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The teams are still working on the finer details of the deal, as Porzingis needs to opt into his player option for 2023-24 for the trade to come through. The 27-year-old player’s option is worth $36 million.

The Wizards and the Celtics previously had a similar trade in the works, which included sending Malcolm Brogdon to the Los Angeles Clippers. However, the LA team decided to pull the breaks on the deal due to concerns about Brogdon’s health.

This move makes a lot of sense for Boston, considering that their starting power forward Al Horford is not getting any younger. Porzingis is a better offensive player than Horford and has shown that he can play outstanding defense when he wants to. Porzingis also gives the Celtics more positional versatility, as he can successfully play the center position.

Porzingis struggled to stay healthy in some previous seasons but managed to play 65 games this past season, which is the most since his sophomore year in the league. He finished the campaign averaging career-high 23.2 points alongside 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

The Wizards, on the other hand, continue tearing down their team. They have previously traded franchise star Bradley Beal and moving on from Porzingis signals that the team is in a full rebuild. Washington will now get a promising player in Jones and more draft capital.

Finally, the Grizzlies solidify their point guard position with Smart. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year complements nicely with their star Ja Morant, being able to step in for Moran when he rests or play on the wing.

The post Boston Celtics Finalizing a Trade for Kristaps Porzingis With the Wizards appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Kyle Kuzma to Become Free Agent After Declining Contract Option https://sportzbonanza.com/kyle-kuzma-to-become-free-agent-after-declining-contract-option/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:40:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21362 Kyle Kuzma at the Sports Illustrated Third Annual Fashionable 50 in 2018The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is set to become a free agent after he reportedly declined his $13 million player option, sources revealed to ESPN on Tuesday. Averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over the course of last season, Kuzma is already being regarded as one of the most appealing players to […]

The post Kyle Kuzma to Become Free Agent After Declining Contract Option appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is set to become a free agent after he reportedly declined his $13 million player option, sources revealed to ESPN on Tuesday.

Averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds over the course of last season, Kuzma is already being regarded as one of the most appealing players to hit free agency this summer.

Kuzma had previously told reporters that he would be willing to stay in Washington, however, his opinion has appeared to change following the restructuring of the franchise at the end of last season. General manager Tommy Sheppard was dismissed, with former Clippers GM Michael Winger taking charge.

Selected as the number 27 pick overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma made an almost immediate impact for his team, averaging 19 points per game once he got into his second season.

While his role was downgraded following the arrival of Anthony Davis, Kuzma played a role in the Lakers’ NBA Championship triumph in 2020. Less than two years later, Kuzma joined the Wizards as part of the deal that saw Russell Westbrook move in the opposite direction.

The post Kyle Kuzma to Become Free Agent After Declining Contract Option appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards Set to Trade All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-set-to-trade-all-star-bradley-beal-to-the-suns/ Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:45:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21343 Bradley Beal in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017It’s an end of an era for the Washington Wizards. According to multiple reports, the Wizards agreed to a trade that will send their All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. Reportedly, the Wizards will get a package that includes veteran point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and a picks […]

The post Wizards Set to Trade All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

It’s an end of an era for the Washington Wizards. According to multiple reports, the Wizards agreed to a trade that will send their All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns.

Reportedly, the Wizards will get a package that includes veteran point guard Chris Paul, shooting guard Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and a picks swap options. The Suns, on the other hand, form a new Big 3 with Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant.

The trade is still not official, as the Wizards are trying to get a third team involved in an attempt to offload Paul and allow him to play for a contender next season.

The Washington Wizards signed Beal to a five-year, $251 million max contract last summer with the intention of building a contending team around him. However, after missing out on the playoffs in 2022-23, it became clear that the Wizards don’t have a pathway to be relevant as currently constructed.

Wizards’ new president of basketball operation Michael Winger decided to opt for a rebuild this offseason, and in order to do so, the team needed to move on from Beal and his massive contract. The issue for Washington was that Beal received a no-trade clause, which heavily limited his market.

Last week, Beal and the Wizards agreed to explore trade options, and things picked up quickly after that. Several teams reached out to make an inquiry for the player, but the Suns and the Miami Heat emerged as the most viable options. In the end, Beal wanted to go to Phoenix and used his leverage to get the Wizards to accept what looks like an extremely underwhelming deal.

Bradley Beal spent all of his 11 years as a pro with the Wizards. He earned three All-Star nods during that time while also making the All-NBA Third Team in 2021. Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 50 games last season.

The post Wizards Set to Trade All-Star Bradley Beal to the Suns appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>
Wizards Looking to Make Trade Deal Involving Bradley Beal https://sportzbonanza.com/wizards-look-to-make-trade-deal-involving-bradley-beal/ Fri, 16 Jun 2023 06:11:00 +0000 https://sportzbonanza.com/?p=21306 Bradley Beal with the Washington Wizards in 2022The Washington Wizards team president Michael Winger is in close contact with Bradley Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, over the possibility of working out a trade deal involving the player. This comes after several teams expressed an interest in signing the three-time All-Star guard. Beal has a unique standing as the only NBA player to […]

The post Wizards Looking to Make Trade Deal Involving Bradley Beal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>

The Washington Wizards team president Michael Winger is in close contact with Bradley Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, over the possibility of working out a trade deal involving the player. This comes after several teams expressed an interest in signing the three-time All-Star guard.

Beal has a unique standing as the only NBA player to have a no-trade clause negotiated into his contract, putting him in complete control of selecting his next destination should a deal be concluded. He is currently on a five-year, $251 million contract with the Wizards.

As the NBA draft on June 22 fast approaches with the free agency following on July 1, conversations with Beal’s agent are expected to become more frequent. In addition to Beal’s potential move, the Wizards are also waiting on the contract option decisions of forwards Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, who are poised to become unrestricted free agents.

To date, Beal has played all 11 of his NBA seasons in Washington. Last season, he averaged 23.2 points and recorded a career-best 51% shooting despite facing an injury last season.

The post Wizards Looking to Make Trade Deal Involving Bradley Beal appeared first on SportzBonanza.

]]>