Wizards Roster: A look ahead to Free Agency (and Amnesty)
Free Agency begins on Sunday.... so does the league amnesty period.
Things went about as well as they could during the draft. The Wizards landed Bradley Beal, despite considerable interest of other clubs and didn't have to make any moves to ensure his availability. Tomas Satoransky is basically an insurance pick that will remain stashed in Europe, until he is ready, or the team has a real need for him.
Given the Wizards salary cap situation and the addition of $34 million dollars for the 2012-'13 front court, amnesty for Andray Blatche becomes a must instead of a possibility.
Look for the Wizards to add a veteran big man and guard from the Association's free agent pool or their own free agents.
Wizards Under Contract For 2012'-2013 (12)
Emeka Okafor F/C $13.500,000 (+1)
Nene F/C $13,000,000 (+3)
Trevor Ariza F $7,200,000 (+1)
Andray Blatche F $7,100,000 (+2)
John Wall G $5,900,000 (+2)
Jan Vesely F $3,300,000 (+3)
Chris Singleton F $1,600,000 (+3)
Kevin Seraphin F/C $1,800,000 (+2)
Trevor Booker F $1,400,000 (+2)
Jordan Crawford G $1,200,000 (+2)
Shelvin Mack G $760,000
Assuming the Wizards exercise their amnesty provision on Andray Blatche, the team has ten players under contract for 2012-'13 totalling just over $50 million dollars. The 2011-'12 salary cap was $58 million dollars and varies annually based on league revenues. Estimating rookie contracts based on last season's scale, the Wizards should be able to sign both Bradley Beal and Tomas Satoransky for under $5 million dollars. Satoransky is expected to stay in Europe for at least another season, counting those savings, the Wizards should be approximately $5 million dollars under the cap after signing Beal (and paying off Blatche to go away).
Wizards Draft Selections (2)
Bradley Beal
Tomas Satoransky
At approximately $5 million dollars under the cap (assuming Blatche amnesty) and by utilizing the full mid level exemption, the Wizards could sign a pair of mid level free agents. Washington could also opt to bring back one or more of their own free agents. I have a particular liking of shooting guard Morris Almond. Almond has potential (1st round pick in 2007) was productive at Rice (3rd in nation in scoring as a senior) and has hasn't been given much of a chance yet (D-League majority of his four pro seasons). Almond has prototype size for an NBA shooting guard (6'6" 215) and his strengths fit the Wizards needs (explosive scorer with legit NBA 3-point range).
Wizards Free Agents (7)
Hamady N'Diaye
Brian Cook
James Singleton
Maurice Evans
Cartier Martin
Roger Mason
Morris Almond
Here are several free agents that the DCPRO believes might be a good fit. But first, a look at the Wizards projected depth:
C Okafor, Seraphin
PF Nene, Vesely, Booker
SF Ariza, Singleton
SG Crawford, Beal
PG Wall, Mack
The DCPRO projects free agent needs at veteran shooting guard and developmental center. Traditionally, NBA rosters have featured 15 players with 12 active at any one time. During the shortened 2011-'12 season, the "active" portion of the roster was expanded to 14 players. It is widely believed the Association will settle on a move to 13 players on a "permanent" basis.
We have a particular interest in center Daniel Orton. A first round pick in 2011, Orton was a teammate (freshman) of John Wall at Kentucky and may have some chemistry to bring out his considerable potential. Forward Ersan Ilyasova would be DCPRO's first pick, but he is seeking a starting role (and starter's money). Ray Allen or even Brandon Roy would be an ideal guard to add, bringing veteran leadership for the "diaper dandy" back court and at the same time a major 3-point threat. Brandon Rush would be a nice alternative and a much younger option at that.
NBA Free Agent Targets (Unrestricted) 25
G Ray Allen BOS
G Brandon Roy POR
G Marco Belinelli NO
G Shannon Brown PHO
G Mickael Pietrus BOS
G Sonny Weems EURO
G Brandon Rush GS
G Michael Redd PHO
G Sasha Vujaciic EURO
F Earl Clark ORL
F Steve Novak NY
F Anthony Toliver MIN
F Ersan Ilyasova MIL
F Jordan Hill LAL
F Mirza Teletovic EURO
F Chris Wilcox BOS
F Craig Brackins PHI
C Ryan Hollins BOS
C Nenad Krstic EURO
C Aaron Gray TOR
C Kyrylo Fesenko IND
C Hamed Haddadi MEM
C Hasheem Thabeet POR
C Daniel Orton ORL
C Solomon Alabi TOR
Tom Blaz Is Co-Owner of DC PRO & The Recruiting Eagle focusing on Auburn University Athletics.
