Wizards Decline Option On Jamir Watkins, Make Him RFA

Instead, the Wizards opted to decline the option and issue him a qualifying offer, according to Smith, which will make the former Florida State standout a restricted free agent. Watkins’ QO is projected to be worth $2,385,633.

It’s an interesting decision, as Watkins would have been eligible for restricted free agency in 2027 if Washington had picked up the option. Presumably the team plans to work out a longer-term deal with the 6’6″ wing, who turns 25 years old in a week.

Watkins, who signed a two-way contract last July, played a limited role at the NBA level during the first half of the 2025/26 season. However, he became a rotation regular for the tanking Wizards down the stretch of ’25/26 and was promoted to a two-year standard contract at the end of February.

Known as a strong athlete, Watkins averaged 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 50 games (20.6 minutes per contest) as a rookie. The New Jersey native was selected 43rd overall in last year’s draft.