:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60257997/usa_today_10031545.0.jpg)
More names are emerging as the Wizards look to add depth in free agency. Candace Buckner of The Washington Post is reporting the team has interest in several veterans, including one of their own:
Day 3 into free agency and some of the #Wizards's targets are coming into focus:
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 3, 2018
Washington expressed interest in Jamal Crawford, Luc Mbah a Moute, Dante Cunningham and Willie Reed.
All these players were pretty much July 1 calls.
As of yesterday, I also heard that Ty Lawson was still potentially in the mix.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 3, 2018
The Wizards’ interest in Crawford isn’t surprising. The team made a push to sign him in free agency during the summer of 2016, and made another push to sign him last season after he was released by the Hawks. He also gets a stamp of approval from new Wizard Austin Rivers, who called Crawford “the best teammate I’ve ever had.”
Lawson isn’t surprising either. He played very well in Washington in the playoffs, so there’s already a comfort level on both sides. Regardless of how the team feels about Tomas Satoransky’s future with the franchise, they could use a third point guard, and Lawson probably won’t command more than the minimum.
Mbah a Moute could be an intriguing fit in Washington. He isn’t as dynamic as Mike Scott offensively, but he’s coming off a very successful season with the Rockets and brings defensive skills and versatility the team could sorely use.
Dante Cunningham is similar to Mbah a Moute, but less effective on both ends. He could be a cheap alternative if Mbah a Moute signs elsewhere.
Willie Reed is an intriguing name who could help at the center position. His per-minute numbers have been solid the last few years but he’s struggled to carve out meaningful playing time outside of one season in Miami. However, it’s also worth noting Reed would still need to serve the remainder of the six-game suspension he received in February, shortly before he was waived by the Bulls.