Grading Every Move From Washington Wizards' 2026 Offseason

The Wizards entered the offseason with the No. 1 pick, a promising young core and new expectations to win. Three months later, they’ve drafted A.J. Dybantsa, locked up their point guard and added depth across the roster. Let’s grade every move Washington made during a pivotal offseason.

Trae Young Agrees to Four-Year Contract: B

A new contract for Washington’s point guard was expected after he declined his $49 million player option. Still, the price may have caused some sticker shock: four years, roughly $212 million and a player option in the final season.

Young agreed to the deal a day before the NBA draft, and it became official July 6. Washington paid a premium to secure its point guard. Reports of interest from other teams suggested the Wizards had reason to act.

Since arriving from Atlanta in January, Young had made it clear he wanted to stay in Washington long term. The Wizards made it happen because they believe he can elevate their young core. An average salary of $53 million is steep, though much of the team’s talent remains on rookie contracts.

How the deal ages bears watching. For now, having Young on the floor is crucial to Washington’s push to become more competitive.

Drafting A.J. Dybantsa With the First Overall Pick: A+

When you win only 50 games over three seasons, you hope the draft gives you a shot at a special prospect. The Wizards finally got that chance, winning the lottery and drafting Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9, high-flying wing from BYU.

This was the centerpiece of Washington’s offseason. The Wizards have searched for a franchise cornerstone since beginning their rebuild in 2023, and Dybantsa has the tools to become one.

He led college basketball in scoring last season at 25 points per game and enters the NBA as a prolific prospect at attacking the rim. At 19, he’ll have established veterans around him to ease the burden early. Eventually, Washington hopes he becomes its first option.

Dybantsa also brings charisma. During the pre-draft process, his mantra was that he fills seats. Wizards fans should be eager to see him play.

Trading for Second-Round Pick Felix Okpara: B-

Washington entered the draft with picks No. 51 and No. 60, selecting Izaiyah Nelson and Malique Lewis. The Wizards then joined a three-team deal with Orlando and Milwaukee that brought them forward Felix Okpara.

Okpara addresses a need for frontcourt depth. He was one of the SEC’s better interior defenders last season, though his offensive game remains a work in progress.

General manager Will Dawkins said Okpara scored highly in the team’s internal metrics, including his ability to switch onto perimeter players. The Wizards signed him to a two-way contract July 7. Minutes with the NBA club may be hard to find this season, but he’ll have room to develop with the Capital City Go-Go.

His motor stood out in summer league as he chased blocks across the floor. His offensive limitations were apparent, too, reinforcing his status as a developmental prospect.

Trading for Deandre Ayton: A

This could prove to be one of Washington’s best moves of the offseason.

As free agency began, the market for frontcourt help thinned quickly. The Wizards found a way to fill their backup big man role with a former No. 1 pick, giving up only Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks.

Ayton gives Washington one of the league’s more efficient finishers around the rim. His career has had its ups and downs, but he’ll play this season on a one-year, $8 million contract. Given Anthony Davis’s and Alex Sarr’s injury histories, Ayton could start some games.

Adding someone who started 72 games for a 53-win team last season as a backup is strong value. He’s an effective pick-and-roll partner who should fit well with Young, and he gives the Wizards help on the glass after years of rebounding struggles.

Washington acquired a player capable of meaningful minutes at a modest cost.

Sign-and-Trade for Khris Middleton: B-

Middleton’s return was unexpected after Washington sent him out at the trade deadline in the deal for Davis. He came back as part of a six-team trade.

His reported contract is worth $17.6 million over three years, though only the first year is guaranteed. The Wizards also received a 2033 second-round pick from Dallas. Washington sent D’Angelo Russell, a 2029 second-round pick, a 2032 second-round pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick to Memphis.

Middleton, 35, provides veteran depth and already knows the organization. The Wizards valued his influence on their young players during his previous stint. It’s unclear whether he’ll have a regular place in the rotation, but he offers leadership and an experienced option if needed.

Wizards Acquire Guard Tre Mann: C

One of Washington’s final offseason moves added needed guard depth. In a five-team deal involving the Wizards, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Hornets and Clippers, Washington received Mann, a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers and cash considerations from Cleveland.

The Wizards sent out Cam Whitmore and Julian Reese, two local products. Cleveland waived Whitmore, who later signed a two-way contract with Denver. Reese was traded to Denver and waived.

Much of the attention on this deal centers on the end of Whitmore’s brief Wizards tenure. Washington acquired him from Houston last July for two second-round picks, but his season got off track when Brian Keefe benched him for failing to meet the team’s internal standards.

Whitmore might have earned another chance in the rotation, but deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder ended his season early. He has since made a full recovery.

Mann is coming off a statistically underwhelming season with Charlotte. He’s more of a combo guard than a traditional point guard, but he should have a chance to compete with Bub Carrington for the backup point guard role.

Re-Signing Anthony Gill: A

Washington’s final move felt inevitable. The Wizards officially re-signed Anthony Gill on September 15, bringing their longest-tenured player back for a seventh season.

Gill has been a fixture in the locker room for years, which is precisely why Washington brought him back. He takes the 15th and final standard roster spot, offering leadership, continuity and the professionalism he brings every day.

Few players have seen the organization change as much as Gill has. Now he’ll have a chance to be part of its rise.

Final Offseason Grade: A-

The Wizards strengthened their roster through the draft and trades while keeping their young players at the center of their plans. They want to compete this season, and their additions should give that young core more opportunities to develop in meaningful games.

Above all, Washington drafted the player it hopes will become its franchise centerpiece. Landing Dybantsa alone makes this an important offseason. The Eastern Conference has grown more competitive, but the Wizards have put themselves in a better position for this season and beyond.