What the Wizards Must Do This Offseason to continue this Rebuild
- ThatManChe
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
The Washington Wizards are no strangers to losing seasons but for the first time in over a decade, it feels intentional. After a 2024–25 campaign that ended 18–64 and dead last in the East, Washington enters a critical offseason armed with cap space, draft picks, and flexibility but also pressure. The rebuild is underway, but the direction remains murky. This summer is about choosing a path and committing to it.
With the No. 6 overall pick, a second first-rounder at No. 18, and one of the NBA’s cleanest cap sheets, the Wizards have the tools to reshape the foundation of their franchise. But with limited top-end talent on the roster and no guaranteed cornerstone yet, the next steps require bold, focused execution.
Here’s what Washington must do to start building something real in the nation’s capital.
1. Make No. 6 Count — Take the Biggest Swing
The Wizards’ top draft asset is the No. 6 overall pick, which needs to hit. Washington doesn’t just need a rotation player—they need someone who can grow into a No. 1 or No. 2 option on a good team. That means embracing the upside, not just fit or polish.
Top Targets:
Tre Johnson (SG, Texas) – A smooth 6’6” scorer with real three-level potential. He’s not the flashiest name in the class, but his ability to create off the dribble, shoot on the move, and finish in traffic gives him real star equity.
Jeremiah Fears (PG, Oklahoma) – A pick-and-roll savvy guard with deep range, craft, and poise. He’s slightly undersized but makes up for it with shooting, control, and leadership—Washington’s best shot at a long-term floor general.
Nolan Traoré (PG, France) – The wildcard. Electric with the ball, instinctive as a passer, and incredibly fluid. He’s raw, turnover-prone, and untested against elite competition. Still, the upside could be worth betting on.
Draft Philosophy:
Washington can’t afford to draft for the floor. The fanbase won’t be energized by another Corey Kispert-type pick. They need to identify the player with the highest upside and give them a long development runway. No. 6 is their chance to swing for the fences.
2. Use No. 18 Strategically — Flexibility Over Flash
The Wizards also own the No. 18 pick via the Grizzlies. It’s not a place to find a franchise star, but it’s still an asset that can fill a need or be flipped for something more valuable long term.
Options at 18:
Cedric Coward (Wing, Washington State) – One of the draft’s top defenders, with a 7-foot wingspan and strong instincts. Think Herb Jones-style impact. He doesn’t need the ball and projects as a glue guy on both ends.
Rasheer Fleming (Big, Saint Joseph’s) – A rising name with real stretch-big potential. Could function as a mobile 4/5 behind or alongside Sarr.
Draft-and-trade or stash – If there’s no one they love at 18, they can flip the pick for a future first or stash a European prospect to preserve cap space.
Washington should also explore packaging the pick with a veteran contract to absorb a young player from another team looking to reset. In a thin draft, the 18th pick might hold more value as a trade chip than as a developmental flyer.
3. Cap Space = Leverage, Not Luxury
The Wizards could open up $30–35 million in cap space, depending on how they handle their team options and expiring contracts. But this isn’t the offseason to go star-chasing. Washington should treat cap space like a weapon—not a wish list.
Realistic Salary Absorption Targets:
Duncan Robinson (Miami) – An elite shooter with two years left on his deal. Still useful, but pricey for a team trying to avoid the tax. Washington could take him on in exchange for a protected future first-round pick or a pick swap.
Norman Powell (Clippers) – A reliable scoring wing with playoff experience. The Clippers are deep into the tax and may be willing to attach draft compensation to move off his contract.
Jrue Holiday (Celtics) – A high-level veteran making over $30 million. If Boston wants to create flexibility or reduce payroll, Washington could absorb Holiday temporarily, then look to flip him to a third team—potentially gaining a pick in the process.
The Approach:
Washington doesn’t need these players long-term. The point is to leverage their clean cap sheet to accumulate future picks or swaps. Even a single protected first or an unprotected second-rounder from a desperate team can be meaningful in a multi-year rebuild.
This is how the Thunder and Nets stockpiled draft capital—by becoming the NBA’s best problem-solvers. The Wizards now have a chance to do the same.
4. Free Agency: Stabilize, Don’t Clutter
With such a young core, free agency should be about structure and mentorship—not splash.
Ideal Signings:
Backup PGs – Monte Morris, Dennis Smith Jr., or Jevon Carter. Someone to steady the second unit and mentor Fears or Carrington.
Low-usage wings – Torrey Craig, and Josh Okogie—players who don’t need the ball but bring defense, shooting, and effort.
Stretch bigs – Al Horford, Drew Eubanks, or similar vets who can space the floor and support young bigs like Alex Sarr or Rasheer Fleming.
The goal is not to win 35 games—it’s to build an environment where young players can learn, fail, and grow. Veterans should support that, not crowd it.
5. Double Down on Development
The Wizards are still in the talent-accumulation phase, but that only works if that talent improves. They need to invest in a league-best development system, full stop.
Young Core to Build Around:
Alex Sarr – He needs to become the defensive anchor of the future. Strength, shooting, and offensive polish must be priorities.
Bub Carrington has tons of upside as a shot creator, but he needs consistency and decision-making work.
Kyshawn George – Intriguing size/skill combo on the wing. Could evolve into a two-way starter with the right physical development and shooting reps.
Bilal Coulibaly – Still raw, but flashed elite defensive instincts. His offensive confidence and decision-making need urgent attention.
Development must be holistic—on-court reps, skill trainers, sports psychology, nutrition, and strength training. Washington has time, but they can’t afford to waste it.
6. Set Expectations Internally — Build Alignment, Not Confusion
One of the Wizards’ biggest mistakes in recent years has been failing to align the organization in a clear direction. That can’t continue.
Internal Priorities:
Timeline clarity – When is this team expected to compete? 2026–27? 2027–28?
Player commitment – Which young players are considered long-term pieces? How much runway do they get?
Coaching alignment – Is Brian Keefe being judged on wins or player growth? The front office and coaching staff must be aligned.
If everyone inside the building knows the plan, development becomes intentional, roles become clearer, and the rebuild gains real momentum.
Washington Wizards 2025 Offseason To-Do List
• No. 6 Pick – Draft a high-upside offensive creator (Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, or Nolan Traoré)
• No. 18 Pick – Select a versatile role player or use as trade leverage to acquire future picks or young talent
• Cap Space – Absorb contracts from tax-strapped teams (e.g., Duncan Robinson, Norman Powell, Jrue Holiday) only if draft compensation is attached
• Free Agency – Sign short-term veterans who bring leadership and spacing without blocking young player development
• Player Development – Invest heavily in skill development, physical training, mental performance, and coaching infrastructure for core prospects
• Internal Alignment – Establish a clear multi-year rebuild timeline and ensure all departments (front office, coaching staff, scouting, player development) are aligned on strategy and goals.
Final Word
This summer is about laying a real foundation—not chasing shortcuts. If the Wizards nail the draft, monetize their cap space wisely, and invest in real player development, they can finally pivot out of NBA irrelevance. Miss those opportunities, and this rebuild may stall before it ever truly begins.
2025 doesn’t have to be a turning point—but it absolutely can be.
Eli Saari
@ThatManChe On X
@Sidelines_SN On X
@SSN_NBA On X
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