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WINNERS
Bradley Beal - Beal is the living embodiment of mo’ money mo’ problems. He had to deal with questions about whether or not he can coexist with John Wall, and whether or not he deserves to be a max player. But at the same time, he signed a deal that will give him (deep breath) $128 million guaranteed. He’ll be alright. Plus, if he’s finally over his growing pains, he might finally be able to put together a full season this year. Everything’s coming up Brad.
Scott Brooks - The only coaches in the NBA who are making more than Brooks next season have either won a NBA title or have control over personnel decisions. And thanks to the turbulent nature of NBA coaching, he’s already been at his job longer than 7 other coaches in the league. At this rate Scott Brooks will be the most experienced, best paid coach by 2019.
Ian Mahinmi - Here’s something to think about: What would have happened to Mahinmi if Horford had signed with the Wizards? Would the Celtics have offered him a comparable contract? Probably not. And if they weren’t willing to step up and make an offer, how much less would Mahinmi have made? Considering how quickly he jumped at Washington’s offer, it must have been a bit better than the offers he was receiving up to that point.
We don’t bring this up to say Mahinmi was overpaid. Honestly, compared to what Joakim Noah and Timofey Mozgov received, it may prove to be a very fair deal. Still, you can’t help but wonder how much of a bargain he would have been somewhere else if things had gone differently. At least now he can invest in a lot more blue robes.
Kelly Oubre - Barring an unexpected roster move, Oubre isn’t going to have to worry much about looking over his shoulder when he’s on the floor this season. He’ll have the freedom to be aggressive and make mistakes this season, because the Wizards don’t have a viable veteran who can take away minutes if he struggles.
Garrett Temple - He’s going to make more than Festus Ezeli this season.
LOSERS
Wizards fans - Oh man. Let’s review what went wrong this summer:
- The team’s top player underwent knee surgery.
- The Cavs won the NBA title, leading to incessant ribbing from Fear The Sword.
- KD2DC flopped
- “Horford had been incredibly intrigued with Wizards and there was a time that he preferred Washington's talent over Boston's. Wild finish.“
- The Wizards did not make a draft pick this summer.
- The whole Wall-Beal thing.
On the bright side, the Wizards didn’t blow a 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals with the first ever unanimous MVP, so they’ve got that going for them.
John Wall - As we discussed earlier this week, just about everything has gone wrong for Wall this summer, from not adding another star player, to not getting a shoe deal, to not being able to get an extension, to dealing with questions about whether or not he can get along with Bradley Beal. The only way it could have been worse would have been if he had to wear James Harden’s new shoes.
Marcin Gortat - Just when it looks like you’re finally going to be the team’s clear option to close out games at center, the team spends $80 million on centers. Brutal.
Nene - Sure, he’s an injury liability, but it was pretty shocking to see he’s going to make the same money Dion Waiters is going to make next season.
Kevin Durant - You could’ve been a Wizard bro.