Predict which (if any) max free agent Ernie lands.

[Sluggerface]

Poll above.

[Rafael122]

None, if it's not Durant, what I could see him doing is using that money on 3 or 4 guys to shore up the bench. They basically need a combo guard. I really like Jeremy Lin, the problem is if you...pigeonhole him into just being a back up to Wall, then he's only going to get 12-15 minutes per game. He can play the 1 or 2, actually I'd look into Vasquez too, especially if he's cheaper.

I'd look into Mahinmi as a backup center if Whiteside is off the table. Ian will be 30, so I'd say a MLE type of deal could be enough.

[Kanyewest]

Al Horford- I suppose Horford is an unrestricted free agent but Atlanta will probably give a max contract to him (see Joe Johnson).

DeRozan- Not happening.

Dwight Howard- I wouldn't bet on it happening but who knows. Injury prone center who isn't exactly a great leader. Although perhaps Washington thinks that they can turn around Howard given that they have a pass first point guard.

Mike Conley- Not happening.

Hassan Whiteside- I could see the Wizards targeting Whiteside although question marks about his attitude could deter the Wizards from ultimately throwing down the big bucks.

Harrison Barnes- I predict that Barnes will re-sign for less to stay with Golden State. Although if the Warriors get Durant, then Barnes is available but he's not an ideal fit.

Nicolas Batum- I suspect the Hornets will offer Batum the full max.

[gambitx777]

I still want to let beal walk or trade him, I don't want to be married to him, when hes hurt way to often.
I would make Thomas an offer he can't refuse. I would also seriously considering bringing over Aaron white form europe.
Make a max offer to white side, and make it clear to gortat that he is now our back up center and we need him to buy in.
Resign Eddie for sure and maybe sessions, hickson, or dudley depending on how you do with other free agents.
Sessions or not go out and get Lin, ish smith, Donald Sloan, or Norris cole
Make offers to Andrew Nicholson and Terrence Jones / with leuer,powell and Christian Wood as a back up plan.
If we don't get whiteside, I am making offers to Plumlee,Sims ezeli,Zeller, and Leonard
that's just some of the guys who I want to take a look at this year if we miss out on KD and we give up on beal.
then fill out the rest of the team with some wing players who can shoot and play D, the younger the better IMO.

[nuposse04]

Evan Turner...

































*head explodes*

[AFM]

I suppose any free agent is a max free agent if you give them a max contract

[BigA]

Shouldn't the poll at least include Durant, even if it's a fantasy at this point? Or maybe an "other" to include unlikely max deals to include Durant, LBJ, and whoever else.

Also, this is leaving aside Beal, right? If I think the Wizards will sign Beal for the max but not any other max FA, I click the last choice?

[Sluggerface]

I figured Beal would be a given at this point. I only put options down that were realistic(In the sense of players getting Max contracts, based on what we've heard all season).

[FAH1223]

Hopefully none.

Kind of hope EG can continue his failures.

[closg00]

I don't think he will max anyone, but he will drastically over-pay someone as he always does so "the deal does not go away"

Oh!..and he'll "feel pretty good "about the deal and player.

[DCZards]

Shouldn't the poll at least include Durant, even if it's a fantasy at this point? Or maybe an "other" to include unlikely max deals to include Durant, LBJ, and whoever else.

Also, this is leaving aside Beal, right? If I think the Wizards will sign Beal for the max but not any other max FA, I click the last choice?

The poll should absolutely include KD!

[FAH1223]

David Aldridge:
http://www.nba.com/2016/news/features/david_aldridge/04/25/morning-tip-state-of-wizards-with-scott-brooks-john-wall-bradley-beal-marcin-gortat-otto-porter-nicolas-batum-ian-clark/index.html?ls=iref:nba:specialst3b

But the likelihood is that Durant does not come to D.C. And if that's the case, the Wizards need a Plan B, which will be completely dependent on whether they still want to be a pace-and-space team going forward. If so, there are some potential moves to make that would allow them to play that way more often, for longer stretches.

If the Wizards have $22 million to $24 million of the $30 million or so of cap room they'll have this summer tagged for Durant, they could (and should) be ready to utilize that space to add two or three players who could continue allowing them to play fast.

Brooks, I'm told, is a strong believer in Porter's potential. Porter averaged 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds, and shot 36.7 percent on 3-pointers. And Porter does a lot of little things right, namely he's a solid defender both individually and in the team concept. But it's still not what the third pick in the 2013 Draft is expected to provide after three seasons. There's no reason Brooks can't take a good look at Porter while the team explores adding another player at that position. If the Wizards succeed, they can move Porter along.

The Wizards need to mimic what Charlotte did -- pay and trade for as much shooting and ballhandling as you can fit into your budget. In fact, the Wizards should start by trying to raid Charlotte, and go after unrestricted free agent forward Nicolas Batum.

Batum will be 27 at the start of next season -- right in what should be the Wizards' age wheelhouse, still young enough to develop a little more, but experienced enough to be able to help Wall and Beal in the heat of a playoff race.

Batum had a terrific season in Charlotte, and he did so because he's playing a bigger role there this season than he did as the fourth option in Portland behind LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews.

The Hornets use Batum as a major part of their offense, as a ballhandler who breaks down opposing defenses and makes plays. He was fourth in the league among forwards in assists per game this season (5.8), trailing only Draymond Green, LeBron James and Tyreke Evans. That's exactly what Washington needs -- someone to help Wall when the game slows to halfcourt speed.


No one's better on earth with the ball in the open floor than Wall, but when teams defend the Wizards' screen and roll well, Wall often struggles to find quality shots. Having a player like Batum who can create -- or, if nothing else, to just get the defense moving, at which point Wall would be coming downhill on the weakside -- will be crucial going forward. (Beal got better at playmaking this season, but it's still not a strong suit for him.)

Batum won't be cheap. He's coming off a four-year deal worth almost $12 million per year. Starting threes of his vintage are going for $15 million to $16 million annually (DeMarre Carroll, four years, $60 million from Toronto last summer; Chandler Parsons, three years, $46 million from Dallas in 2014; Gordon Hayward, four years, $63 million from Utah, which matched Charlotte's offer sheet in 2014.) That's probably the floor for a guy like Golden State's Harrison Barnes, another potential free agent target for the Wizards. But Barnes will be restricted, meaning the Warriors could match any offer sheet another team gives him.

The number is probably around $16 million to 17 million per season. Pricey. But Batum would help, immediately.

So would Omri Casspi. The Kings' veteran shot 41 percent on 3-pointers this season in 69 games.

The Wizards have been looking for a veteran stretch 3-4 for a while. They tried hard to get Ryan Anderson from New Orleans before the trade deadline, but didn't want to give up a first-round pick (they ultimately did, of course, sending their 2016 first to Phoenix for Morris -- though there's a miniscule chance Washington could keep it, depending on the Lottery results). That's no longer an issue for Anderson, a rising unrestricted free agent.

Anderson is still viable. He'll only be 28 on opening night. He did miss 60 games two years ago because of a neck injury. But in his other seven NBA seasons, he's averaged 66 games played. More critically, he's a career 38 percent 3-point shooter. If Washington wants to really go pace-and-space, it needs a stretch four who can spell Morris, or spot start if necessary, depending on matchups. It wouldn't be a mistake to pursue him.

But Casspi is much cheaper.

Anderson made about $8.5 million annually on his last deal and he'll be looking for a raise.

Meanwhile, Casspi -- also 27, like Anderson, also a three-point shooter, like Anderson (41 percent behind the arc this year for the Kings in 69 games), is -- unlike Anderson -- under contract for 2016-17, at a very reasonable $2.9 million. With the Wizards' cap space, they wouldn't have to give up a player for Casspi, who also would bring some grit off of Washington's bench if the Kings were interested in making a deal.

Then, make a play for Warriors guard Ian Clark. The Wizards may not be able to afford Barnes. But they could look into another young Warrior, Clark, to further bolster their bench.

The 25-year-old Clark worked his way into Golden State's rotation this season, appearing in 66 games off the bench. He shot almost 36 percent on 3-pointers. The former Belmont star is ready to handle more minutes in a more meaningful role than fourth guard and he has major sixth man offensive potential. The Warriors will surely try to keep him, but they'll have limits, given that they'll either be re-signing Barnes to a long-term deal this summer or, perhaps, making their own run at Durant.

Either way, the Wizards are in position to substantially increase Clark's $947,000 salary this season. He's not yet a full mid-level player, but, well, the Hawks are getting Kyle Korver for $6 million a year. Is Clark's potential worth, say, $5 million annually -- or a half-million more per year than what Washington was willing to pay Martell Webster to shoot off the bench just a couple of years ago? Here, in this column, it says yes.

That's three guys, who can all shoot and space the floor, all in their mid- to late 20s, totaling $24 million, give or take a dollar (if the Wizards got Batum, Casspi and Clark at the above prices), and significantly improving the potential firepower of the Wizards' bench.
Washington has around $44.3 million committed to Wall, Gortat, Morris, Porter and Oubre next season, and has to keep just under $22 million available to start a potential max deal next year for Beal, a restricted free agent. (Both sides are hopeful to work out a new deal in July.) That works out to around $90 million for nine players. The salary cap is currently projected at around $92 million.
Assuming Washington waived the non-guaranteed deals of Drew Gooden and Jarell Eddie, the Wizards would need to add three additional cap holds on their roster to get to the minimum 12 players required. At $543,471 per hold for a minimum salaried player next season (according to cap guru Larry Coon), Washington would have to commit another $1.63 million in salary.
That would leave the Wizards at $91.6 million or so -- just under the projected cap, and well under the projected luxury tax threshold of $111 million. So they could potentially add a veteran big or two at a minimum to help replace Nene, almost certain to leave via free agency, without getting anywhere near the tax.

There's a dozen different ways the Wizards could go. This is just one scenario. But Washington has to be ready with a Plan B (and C, and D) if Brooks' presence in D.C. doesn't change the tide, or change Durant's tune.

[Sluggerface]

I agree with Aldridge, I think Batum makes the most sense. The only problem is that if they're going to bring in another ball-handler in the starting lineup, Wall and Beal have to capitalize and become more efficient players. Batum on his own isn't going to push the needle, the core needs to get better. Not sure how much faith I have in that happening, but it's better than getting married to a declining Horford/Howard.

Wall/(combo guard)
Beal/Oubre
Batum/Porter
Morris/Casspi
Gortat/(backup C)

Isn't that bad of a roster. Plenty of size / athleticism at every position (depending on who they get as backup C). Gortat would be the oldest player in that group, and Brooks would have a lot of flexibility in how he wants to play. I just hope to God that they can sign Beal to a non-max deal. Getting hitched to Beal on a max would just cripple the franchise imo. You have to think that Porter is going to command some serious $$$ next summer. It'd be a nightmare to lose him while watching Beal's stunted development.

[CobraCommander]

I hate to say this because I know that Erine reads this board to get ideas but The Wiz will either sign Howard or Whiteside to a max deal and have Gortat and another expensive center. I think Whiteside and Howard are relics of another era and I would hate to see them in a Wizards uniform IF ...we maxed them. DO NOT MAX WHITESIDE OR HOWARD.

[DCZards]

I hate to say this because I know that Erine reads this board to get ideas but The Wiz will either sign Howard or Whiteside to a max deal and have Gortat and another expensive center. I think Whiteside and Howard are relics of another era and I would hate to see them in a Wizards uniform IF ...we maxed them. DO NOT MAX WHITESIDE OR HOWARD.

I disagree on Whiteside. I think he is exactly the kind of young rim protector and rebounder that the Zards need roaming the paint. He's a game-changer with his ability to block shots.

The main questions about Whiteside have to do with his attitude.

[CobraCommander]

I hate to say this because I know that Erine reads this board to get ideas but The Wiz will either sign Howard or Whiteside to a max deal and have Gortat and another expensive center. I think Whiteside and Howard are relics of another era and I would hate to see them in a Wizards uniform IF ...we maxed them. DO NOT MAX WHITESIDE OR HOWARD.

I disagree on Whiteside. I think he is exactly the kind of young rim protector and rebounder that the Zards need roaming the paint. He's a game-changer with his ability to block shots.

The main questions about Whiteside have to do with his attitude.

Are you watching the playoff games? Whiteside is a liability on the offensive end (has one offensive move...the dunk), can't shoot free throws, takes plays off (I mean quarters), seems to have an attitude problem (called immature by the Miami Heat from office and fellow players) and his conditioning has been in question.... And he is going to be a MAX player....in an NBA where Dramond Green plays center.

Plus what would you suggest we do with Whiteside and Gortat?

[JWizmentality]

Durant isn't coming here and I see nothing but meh signings that Ernie will sell as earth shattering. I've never been this unenthusiastic about an offseason. Worst case is we egregiously overpay Beal, roll with the same starting lineup and fill the bench with expensive role players.

[DCZards]

Durant isn't coming here and I see nothing but meh signings that Ernie will sell as earth shattering. I've never been this unenthusiastic about an offseason. Worst case is we egregiously overpay Beal, roll with the same starting lineup and fill the bench with expensive role players.

There's a new sheriff (Brooks) in town who will have a lot to say about who the Zards sign this offseason. That alone gives me more hope than I've had in the past.

[gambitx777]

He is the highest paid HC who is not the GM as well, So I am assuming that he will have more power over the players than Wittman did. and with our team almost stripped bare he can build it as he wants.

[payitforward]

Aldridge's identifies some good players, though I haven't seen anything from Ian Clark to make me want him.

But, his approach is wrong, and neither Casspi nor Batum makes a lot of sense for us. They are both SFs (Casspi is ineffective at the 4). We already have an excellent young starting 3 in Otto Porter, and neither of these guys is good enough to displace him. I can certainly imagine Casspi backing him up (and /maybe/ getting some spot minutes at the 4) if he's available cheaply enough. Yet, surely we want to develop Kelly Oubre, no? And he's a 3 not a 2 (where Sluggerface has put him for some reason).

Still, if we had a way to acquire Casspi without giving up a pick, I'd be for it. He's cheap and he's still young enough that he might add something to our future.