Wizards Shed $8 Million In Salary Via Marcus Smart, Blake Wesley Buyouts

The Washington Wizards are trimming the fat. That’s because buyout agreements with guards Marcus Smart and Blake Wesley have reduced Washington’s cap figure by over $8 million, according to NBA cap insider Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Smart gave up $6.8 million of his $21.6 million salary. Wesley walked away from $1.38 million of his $4.7 million deal. Altogether, their cap hits drop from a combined $26.3 million to $18.1 million.

Neither move creates financial space. The Wizards are still over the cap. But they’re now sitting at about $153.8 million in total salary — well below the luxury tax line of $187.9 million and nearly $39 million under the first apron.

Smart to Lakers, Wesley to Blazers

Smart is signing a reported two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Lakers once he clears waivers. Wesley has already landed with the Trail Blazers.

While Washington won’t be a player for marquee free agents, its financial position makes it a strong candidate to facilitate trades. So the Wizards will likely be one of the first calls for teams trying to dump salary or complete a multi-team deal.

The Wizards can afford to take on contracts — for the right price. Think draft picks or young talent attached.

Plenty of Ammo Left to Use

Washington still holds the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception at $14.1 million, along with trade exceptions worth $13.45 million and $9.9 million. Those can’t be combined to chase a bigger name, but they can be used individually to absorb players on smaller deals.

Bottom line? The Wizards aren’t finished making moves. But their path forward looks more opportunistic than aggressive.

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