Former Warriors, Wizards guard released after shoplifting charges

The Washington Wizards released second-year guard Ryan Rollins on Monday. Initially it seemed like a curious move, since the team is 6-31 and going nowhere. It made more sense after a report surfaced that he'd been accused of repeatedly shoplifting from a Target store in Alexandria, Virginia.

Police say Rollins repeatedly stole small household items from Target over a two-month period. Authorities charged him with seven counts of "petit larceny," which means thefts of items worth less than $1,000. Stealing body wash is strange behavior for a player making $1.7 million this season, especially since the thefts allegedly started even before the Wizards' constant losing did.

Dropping five out of every six games can drive NBA players to frustration, but generally, the players take out their aggression by yelling at the officials. They don't start pocketing candles at Target.

Rollins, a second-round pick of the Golden State Warriors in 2022, came to Washington along with Jordan Poole and Patrick Baldwin Jr. in their deal for Chris Paul. He played only 66 minutes across ten games for Washington, despite his youth and his potential as a perimeter defender.

Washington will be on the hook for the rest of Rollins' salary and the $600K guaranteed for next season. Rollins will be on the hook for seven misdemeanors.