Shepherd explains that the “Wizards” spent the last days of this season, when player trades were possible in the NBA, without trades because what they wanted had already been done sooner, including the arrival of Rui Hachimura to the Los Angeles “Lakers” a little more than two weeks ago.
Speaking of what can be done in the summer offseason, it is mentioned that this is the penultimate year of Porzingis’ five-year, $158 million (€147.5 million) contract, earning $36 million (€33.6 million) next year, and Kyle Kuzma, whose last year would bring in 13 million dollars (12.1 million euros).
Kuzma could be worth more and could opt out of the final year of his contract, but Porzingis will also have the choice to sit out the final year of his contract or opt out of his contract in search of a bigger one after a solid season.
“I think keeping Kuzma on the team made it clear that’s our priority in the offseason,” Shepherd says. “Assuming Porzingis opts out, he’s also a priority for us this offseason. That will be his decision and we’ll deal with it when we get that notification,” Shepherd says.
Hachimura’s departure from the team has also freed up funds for future signings.
Currently, the “Wizards” are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with 25 wins in 54 games.
