On Wednesday evening, Los Angeles Clippers GM Michael Winger abandoned ship to command Monumental Basketball, which controls the Washington Wizards, the WNBA's Mystics and the G-League's Go-Go's.
ESPN Sources: Los Angeles Clippers GM Michael Winger has agreed to become the President of Monumental Basketball, which delivers him full leadership of the Washington Wizards. Winger will also oversee the WNBA Mystics and G-League Go-Go. pic.twitter.com/3ldnt8DhtZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 24, 2023
The move doesn't just grant Winger control of the Wizards' front office, but the Mystics and Go-Go's. Winger's new positions of power are something he has never held throughout his tenured NBA career, which has front-office roots stemming from 2005 in Cleveland.
Winger is joining a Wizards team that is eager to return to the NBA playoffs. Led by Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, Washington features many complex contracts and personalities that were only good enough to be the Eastern Conference's 12th seed this season.
The Wizards' new president of basketball operations is known for his work with the Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder, where he was a part of many moves surrounding Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook while working with top executives in Lawrence Frank and Sam Presti.
Winger has been successful at every stop of his career. The Wizards must be happy with their new hire, considering they spent over a month looking for the right candidate.
New Wizards GM Michael Winger’s resume:
— Greg Finberg (@GregFinberg) May 24, 2023
CLE:
• 2 Conference Finals appearances
• 1 NBA Finals appearance
OKC:
• 4 Conference Finals appearances
• 1 NBA Finals appearance
LAC:
• 1st Conference Finals ever
• Constructed PG trade/Kawhi signing
Winner at every stop
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