The Wizards are roughly eight weeks into their search for a new general manager, but the team made a key mistake by not having a Plan B along the way, Fred Katz of The Athletic writes.
Washington dismissed Ernie Grunfeld as general manager on April 2, quickly identifying Nuggets president Tim Connelly as their top target for the vacant position. The Wizards waited six weeks for the Denver to be eliminated from the playoffs so they could meet with Connelly, who then declined the opportunity after meeting with the franchise.
Team owner Ted Leonsis and consultant Mike Forde have led the way in the search so far, according to Katz. They also interviewed Thunder vice president of basketball operations Troy Weaver, former Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry and interim GM Tommy Sheppard, though each of these meetings surprisingly came several days before Connelly interviewed for the job.
Washington will bring in prospects for pre-draft workouts on June 4, with the NBA Draft slated to commence on June 20, as noted by Katz. The team also has free agency around the corner (which begins on June 30 at 6:00pm ET this year), making it imperative that they find a new general manager as soon as possible.
There’s more today from the Southeast Division:
- The Magic, Pacers, Knicks and Lakers all have an early interest in free agent Kemba Walker, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders tweets. Naturally, you could expect to add more teams to this list as June 30 draws closer. Since Walker made an All-NBA team, the Hornets can offer him a five-year, $221MM super=max contract once free agency opens.
- Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel ponders whether the Heat, who finished with a 39-43 record this season, should take an international route in the draft. Miami was awarded the No. 13 pick for next month’s annual event.
- The Heat could use a star player to help attract other free agents to town, Winderman writes in a separate article. This recruiter could stem from a developing project such as Josh Richardson or Justise Winslow, or a future acquisition down the road.
Well it looks like Kemba Walker will be moving on. There’s no way the Hornets give him the supermax all NBA team 221 million dollar contract. That’s not happening.
Some players (most) aren’t worth the super max. It’s ludicrous how the system is set up. Teams can’t afford to surround their stars with good players.
It’s why I don’t watch the NBA anymore. There are two many teams and the salary structure is set up to reward the stars. Overly so. Diluted product…..
People he’s not getting 221. Predict 4/105
He’ll get a Max deal somewhere, maybe not the supermax from the Hornets but he will be a Max player somewhere… There are at least 4 teams checking on him, that creates competition for his services hence driving up his value
I’m really sick of 95 year old Ira Winderman. He doesnt know anything about basketball, or at least, he hasnt moved on from 25 years ago
I remember him from way back. By the way how’s your ACL rehab? It’s been about 6 months?
Ira has been around a long time, and at one time, he was a pretty good source, but the game passed him by almost 2 decades ago
I’m not going to lie, I’m finally biting the bullet on an MRI when I get home and finish dealing with other medical stuff. It’s just not healing the way it usually does, and at this point, I should be able to do certain things that I cant do at all, and I shouldn’t still have stabilization and pain issues. My other knee is mostly better now though. Might check that one out too just in case. Thanks for asking. These last few months have been challenging, even for myself. Might have another challenging few months ahead depending on how this other medical stuff plays out
Quin palangana!!!
Okay brother, stay strong. Praying for good results on your next MRI, and that the next couple of months will show huge Improvement in pain reduction and stability.
I had an acl and meniscus surgery and my main issues was gaining confidence in the stabilization process. Then one day it just held and I was back to playing basketball at the park. Stay strong, sorry for eavesdropping, but I just wish someone was there to tell me about what was going on with my body along the way
I’ve injured both my knees sooo many times. The first few times pretty much led to me not doing much activity for like 6 years from early high school into college. The point is, I know these injuries pretty well, usually. That’s why I feel like it’s time to see if the damage may be worse than I thought this time
Can easily see Walker getting a 5/$165 and giving the Hornets some room to work. Otherwise it’s a 4 year Max deal for a contender. Jazz is perfect for his laid back style. Odds on it’s Hornets.
Ira isn’t nearly that bad. A bit old school maybe. He’s just not into the new rage rumor slinging.
I laugh every year when he tries to ask Riley about an old school 3rd PG on the bench, and Riley makes fun of him. He has no understanding about how the game is currently played either, and then he’s smug about it at times.i liked him in the 90s, maybe even the early 2000s, but it’s a new day
Wizards not grabbing Danny ferry…surprise. Ole Ted still can’t get it right.
I was thinking the same thing. Danny Ferry has been a GM a lot of years and a couple different teams and has all the contacts and know-how. Who are the Wizards waiting for?
I’d love to see the Lakers sign Walker. Trade Ball and the 4th pick for Beal