Kyle Kuzma, forward for the Washington Wizards, has declined his $13 million player option and will become a free agent this summer. Kuzma is expected to be a prominent player in free agency after averaging a career-high 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. Kuzma had previously expressed interest in returning to Washington, but changes in the organization have led him to explore other options. His goal in free agency is to go somewhere where he can be the best version of himself.
The Washington Wizards are reportedly discussing trade scenarios for three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal with rival teams, as team president Michael Winger and Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, stay in close contact to discuss possible destinations. Beal's unique standing as the only current NBA player with a no-trade clause negotiated into his deal gives him control over potential destinations and how a package to acquire him impacts his ability to play for a contender elsewhere. The Wizards are awaiting player-option decisions by forwards Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, who can both become unrestricted free agents.
Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger and Wizards general manager Will Dawkins were introduced as the new executives of the Washington Wizards. The franchise's long-suffering fans can anticipate a new approach and perhaps better long-term results. Many rival executives expect Winger and Dawkins to rebuild the Wizards' roster, if not immediately, then within the next year. Winger confirmed that he has full authority to rebuild if that's what he and his basketball operations staff decide to do. The eventual expectation is that they're going to build a generational contender, but it'll take time.
The Washington Wizards' new President of Monumental Basketball, Michael Winger, and new General Manager, Will Dawkins, have expressed their willingness to embrace a rebuild and build a generational contender that can contend for championships. They have full autonomy to reset the team if they decide to do so, and owner Ted Leonsis is willing to pay the luxury tax if the team becomes a true contender. The future of the Wizards' big three of Beal, Kuzma, and Porzingis will depend on their decisions, and Winger will be patient and let them decide on their own.
The Washington Wizards are set to hire Will Dawkins, a former Oklahoma City Thunder executive, as their new general manager. Dawkins will report to Michael Winger, the president of Monumental Basketball, who worked with Dawkins in Oklahoma City. Dawkins will have a wide runway in overseeing basketball operations in D.C. as the Wizards prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft on June 22.
Will Dawkins, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will join the Washington Wizards under Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger's staff. It is unclear if Dawkins will have the title of General Manager. The move is part of Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO Ted Leonsis' plan to bring new faces to represent the Wizards. The hiring could potentially lead to hard decisions regarding the Wizards' core players.
Former Clippers general manager Michael Winger has left the team to become the president of Monumental Basketball, overseeing all of Washington's basketball operations. Winger, who played a key role in trading for Paul George and signing Kawhi Leonard, said he left the Clippers because he wondered whether he would have an opportunity to be a lead executive. In his new role, he will be tasked with turning around a Wizards team that has not advanced past the second round since 1979.
The Washington Wizards have unofficially hired Michael Winger from the Clippers to run the team, giving him the authority to reshape the organization from top to bottom. Winger, who has extensive experience in contract negotiation and analytics, will have carte blanche to do whatever is necessary, including a total rebuild. This move signals that winning and losing matters to Wizards' governor Ted Leonsis, who wants someone to take big swings and recruit blue-chip talent to the team. The Wizards may finally be getting back into the game after years of meandering through seasons with no long-range plan.
The Washington Wizards are set to hire LA Clippers general manager Michael Winger as the president of Monumental Basketball, giving him full authority to reshape the team and potentially launch a full rebuild of the roster. Winger will submit a five-year plan to owner Ted Leonsis for approval and will have oversight of not just the Wizards but also the G League’s Capital City Go-Go and the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. The Wizards have missed the playoffs in four of the past five years and face an offseason in which forward Kyle Kuzma intends to become an unrestricted free agent and center Kristaps Porziņģis can become an unrestricted free agent.
Michael Winger, the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been hired as the president of Monumental Basketball, which includes the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and Capital City Go-Go. Winger has experience working in the front offices of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers as well. The biggest questions are whether he will be free to decide the direction of the franchise and who he will bring in to help him.
The Washington Wizards have hired Michael Winger, former general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, as the new president of Monumental Basketball. Winger will oversee the Wizards, Mystics, and Capital City Go-Go, and will be tasked with crafting a new direction for the team, including hiring a general manager to focus on the roster. He will also have the power to make changes to the coaching staff and overhaul the roster. Winger's hiring comes after a low-key search conducted by Ted Leonsis, the CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
LA Clippers general manager Michael Winger has been hired as the president of Monumental Basketball, the parent company of the Washington Wizards, Mystics, and G League Go-Go. Winger will replace Tommy Sheppard as the team's top personnel executive and will also oversee the Mystics and Go-Go. Winger had served in the Clippers GM role since 2017 and has a background in analytics. The Clippers have had a winning record every season with Winger in the front office.
