Washington Wizards 2020 Free Agent Targets

Washington had a dynamite offense last season, but defense in DC was putrid. The Wizards finished tenth in the Eastern Conference last year as such.

Yes, John Wall was out for the season, and the injury bug did bite the Wiz a little harder than most. And the team does have an exciting crop of young talent. Alongside Wall and Bradley Beal, Washington has Troy Brown Jr., Rui Hachimura and Thomas Bryant. The Wizards also own the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft.

Adding free agents will be tough. Washington is already projected over the cap. They will have access to the Mid-Level Exception $9.25 million) and the Bi-Annual Exception ($362 million) for additional aid.

It’s been fairly quiet in Washington and not much noise is expected but there is some rumbling possible. Let’s make a few guesses about what the Wizards do in free agency:

Target No. 1 - Re-Sign Davis Bertans

While Bertans will be an unrestricted free agent with the ability to sign anywhere, the Wizards do have his full bird rights and can pay up to keep the sharpshooter.That would be a smart idea.

Bertans was in the running for sixth man of the year and arguably the second-best scoring weapon on a fiery offensive team. If the Latvian stretch big can stay hot, and Wall can stay on the court, Washington can improve without having to make any flashy signings.

Target No. 2 - Mike Muscala

1.7 percent. That’s how much lower Mike Muscala’s three-point attempt rate was compared to Bertans last season. He’s not the laser that Davis is, but his 37.8 percent accuracy from beyond the arc in Oklahoma City last season is pretty impressive.

If the Wizards lose their No.1 target in free agency, Mike would be a sneaky good replacement. Given the green light and minutes, Muscala will be able to provide at least a decent portion of what they got from Bertans.

Target No. 3 - Kris Dunn

Washington’s current back-up point guard, Ish Smith is a good, savvy vet but the team could use an upgrade, especially to insulate from injury.

Kris Dunn’s career has been a bit of a yo-yo so far, but he could fill a need in Washington. Dunn can guard multiple positions, pile up the assists, and hit open shots.

Though he is a restricted free agent, it doesn’t seem likely Chicago will retain Dunn. The Wizards should take a gamble here.

Target No. 4 - Josh Jackson

Washington started Isaac Bonga at small forward last season, likely for his length, playmaking and defense. The backup at the three for the Wiz is Troy Brown Jr, who has some offensive potential but has yet to step up to claim the starting spot.

Jackson was a headache in Phoenix but he showed signs of improvement and was fairly decent in Memphis. I don’t think any team will throw wads of cash at him, and this could be a low risk, high reward move for both parties.

5 - Derrick Jones Jr.

While Wall picks apart defenses and Beal scores at will, “Airplane Mode” could constantly be looking for a clear path for takeoff while continuing to develop the other aspects of his game.

The Wizards struggled last season when it came to two-point percentage and Derrick thrives there. He could accept a low money deal for a chance to become a starter. Even if he doesn’t get the small forward introduction in the lineup, he could fit in as a power forward off the bench as well.