Who starts, who gets dealt and who performs well?
Following a 15-win 2023-24 campaign, the Washington Wizards emerged from Year 1 of their rebuild with some major questions.
Will they make a bold trade? What pick will they get and who will they select? Does Brian Keefe return as head coach, or do they hire someone else?
Well, trading Deni Avdija to Portland was that bold move, Washington won the No. 2 pick and selected Alex Sarr and Brian Keefe returned as head coach.
So, with those questions behind us, it’s time for some new talking points.
Listed below are three pressing questions for the Wizards entering the 2024-25 campaign.
Will Sarr live up to the hype?
This question is rather unfair considering that everyone’s definition of Sarr’s “hype” is different. While some understand he’s only 19 and will take a while to fully develop, other, less patient fans will see him as a top-2 pick and expect nothing but a Rookie-of-the-Year performance.
If Sarr’s Summer League showing is any indication, the Frenchman is far from his final form. An inconsistent, or better yet, nonexistent offensive showing in Vegas left Wizards fans second-guessing their selection. However, Sarr’s defense reeled some doubters back in, blocking and altering shots at a high level.
While the answer to this question will be purely subjective, boxscore watchers will almost certainly side with the less-optimistic analyst. Sarr isn’t a player whose counting stats will jump off the page. A couple of buckets, five-to-six rebounds and a block or two per game seems like a sufficient expectation.
If Wizards fans enter the season with a level-headed expectation like the one outlined above, Sarr will meet the hype. However, for those hoping Sarr will average double-digit points, clean the glass and dominate the paint from Day 1, disappointment could be on the horizon.
Who gets traded?
Rebuilding teams acquire veterans on expiring contracts, build up their value and move them at the deadline for future draft picks and young talent. Last season, the Wizards acquired Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, played them for a bit, then sent them to Detroit for multiple second-round picks and Marvin Bagley. Additionally, Washington dealt Daniel Gafford to Dallas for a package centered around a 2024 first-round pick that turned out to be Kyshawn George.
This season, the Wizards brought in Malcolm Brogdon via trade and Jonas Valanciunas in free agency in addition to having Kyle Kuzma on the roster through the 2025-26 season. These three vets have been shopped the most in trades. So, which of these three is the most likely to get dealt?
While Kyle Kuzma’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors forever, he likely stays if the Wizards remain stubborn on their asking price of multiple first-round picks.
As for Valanciunas, the Los Angelos Lakers showed interest in him this offseason and could use center depth behind Anthony Davis. Valanciunas is on a bargain contract — 3 years, $30 million — and has proven to be a steady presence down low. Washington doesn’t have to be in a rush to deal him, so JV playing out the season in D.C. doesn’t seem farfetched.
Brogdon’s situation closely resembles that of Tyus Jones’ from last season — a smart, veteran PG who can help contenders. At 31 years old, the Virginia alum is a worthy three-point shooter (41.2%) and solid defender. Contending teams will likely call the Wizards as the February deadline approaches to inquire about their asking price for Brogdon.
After failing to deal Jones last season and watching him walk in free agency for nothing in return, Washington should be determined to extract any type of value from Brogdon, making him their most likely trade candidate entering this season.
Will Kispert sign an extension?
Compare Corey Kispert’s current situation to Deni Avdija’s at this time last year and you have a near-perfect match.
The Wizards and Avdija struck a deal at the buzzer in Oct. 2023 to the tune of four years and $55 million. Just like Avdija last season, Kispert is entering his fourth campaign, coming off a solid year and still has a lot to prove.
The deadline for the Wizards and their sharpshooting wing to strike a deal is Oct. 21, the day before the 2024-25 NBA season kicks off.
A deal in the realm of four years, $44 million could work for both sides. Washington would keep Kispert in D.C. for the foreseeable future, locking in their sharpshooter, and Kispert would secure a nice payday.
Now, if Kispert decides to bet on himself and play out the season without an extension, that’s a different question — one the Wizards can’t do much about apart from giving him an offer he simply can’t refuse.
Based off of recent events, this front office prefers to be proactive in extension talks. Wizards GM Will Dawkins locked down Avdija before his breakout season, so it only makes sense to expect a similar effort with Kispert.