The Washington Wizards still have a roster spot to fill, but how the offseason has played out, does a reunion now actually make sense?
The Wizards has been linked to handful of free agents this offseason with a pair of veterans opting for other decisions after Russell Westbrook bypassed a two year offer in exchange for retirement before the DeMar DeRozan saga officially ended with a veterans minimum deal with the Denver Nuggets last week. Now, the Wizards are left answering the familiar question once again with a debate whether there's a true roster need along the roster.
One could say that maybe another depth piece behind Anthony Davis and Justin Champagnie could be added to the
, yet with a clear focus on adding a veteran presence, could there be someone who already fits that profile? Now, maybe a reunion with Anthony Gill actually does make sense given how the roster construction played out through the offseason.
A former undrafted addition out of Virginia in the 2021 NBA Draft, Gill has spent all six of his NBA seasons in Washington where he's played a minimal role averaging no more than 11 minutes per game until this past season when he posted 5.8 points, 2.9 rebounds while shooting nearly 63% from the field, setting new career highs in each category. Yet that also came during a season when the Wizards were not just battling roster availability, but also a commitment to winning with a chance to develop the rest of the roster. Fast forward to now, the chance to add a positive locker room presence could add a similar effect to the roster that another veteran could.
Tre Johnson pointed to Gill as one who helps "more off the court than on the court" during his rookie season, one of many glowing reviews Gill has drawn through his time in DC. Though the on-court impact may be limited with a potential reserve role the best the Wizards can offer, the chance to remain that impact piece off the floor could loom large for a team that has put a premium on improving chemistry through the offseason with six new pieces on the 2026-27 roster who were not with the organization to begin 2025-26.
With a unique opportunity to reunite with the lone true departing free agent from last year's team, it may serve as the most logical move in late August if general manager Will Dawkins opts to fill the final spot.
