After a far below-average past few seasons, the Washington Wizards are beginning to turn a corner. With reports of the Wizards being “ultra-aggressive” in trying to move up in the draft, it’s safe to say it’ll be a busy offseason for the front office. However, one target no longer needing attention is veteran Khris Middleton, who, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, has re-upped with the Wizards.
Wizards Veteran Secures Another Season In Washington
Middleton, 33, was wise to pick up the $33.3 million option. Injuries aside, Middleton is entering the latter part of his career. He wouldn’t have gotten an offer anywhere near this amount from any team. Throughout his 14 games in Washington, Middleton averaged 10.7 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds. While his shooting splits are down from previous seasons, his veteran presence will do the young Wizards’ core well. What does Khris Middleton’s future with the Wizards hold?
Middleton’s Leadership
With his strong offensive output slowly fading away, Middleton will no doubt step into a much different role than in previous seasons. He will now serve as an older leader for the young and hungry Washington players. However, he will still be a solid contributor next season, as the core still develops their offensive games.
With the Wizards holding three picks in the NBA draft (6, 18, 40) Middleton will take on the role of mentor for the newest additions to the Washington front. With the vast majority of the Wizards roster under 30 and relativity unexperienced, it’s good to have the veteran assets locked in for the future.
While Marcus Smart seems to be on the way out, there hasn’t been much talk about Richaun Holmes being traded. With Middleton and Holmes acting as the veteran leaders, the younger Washington players will be learning from some of the most experienced guys in the league. Middleton won a title in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks, and has certainly seen the highs and lows of an NBA career.
While Middleton only played 37 games this year, the injury concerns are extremely high heading into this season once again. However, his leadership and experience in a variety of situations will no doubt be vastly important in the Wizards’ player development strategy.
What’s Next For Washington
With Middleton being the first major domino to fall, Washington can now ramp up the trade conversations they have been partaking in. Now, Smart’s almost-certain departure and Malcolm Brogdon‘s high value in the free agency, the Wizards are beginning to figure out the wants and needs of the roster headed into next season. With Middleton accepting his option, the Wizards have a better idea of their cap space headed into free agency.
While Washington has been relatively silent about who they may be targeting, it’s safe to assume they may bring in another veteran piece after Smart and Brogdon depart. Additionally, after the draft, the path forward will be a little clearer, with their potential selections not set in stone quite yet. An interesting name the Wizards may look at is Guerschon Yabusele. With his strong French ties to rising stars Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, it would make sense for the Wizards to target him. While not exactly a veteran, Yabusele not only has the ties, but also the grinding experience to help guide the younger players who may not find many minutes to start the season.
Yabusele spent time out of the league, grinding for his chance at returning to the NBA. And after an impressive Olympics run with the French National team, the Philadelphia 76ers took a chance on him. While the team didn’t see much success, Yabusele built an entire market for himself this season. While his value is high, the Wizards may be able to convince him to sign a contract in Washington.
The Last Word
With Middleton picking up his player option, Washington’s front office can begin hammering out the remainder of open roster spots. Between the draft and free agency, General Manager Will Dawkins will have his hands full. However, with an ever-weakening Eastern Conference, Washington could convince some interesting targets to sign and possibly make a playoff push next season or in the very near future. Either way, Khris Middleton is with the Wizards for one more year.
© Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
The post Wizards Veteran Secures Another Season In Washington appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.