Wizards waive veteran big man

The Wizards have waived veteran big man Richaun Holmes, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype tweets.

Holmes’ $13.28M contract for next season only had a partial guarantee of $250K. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in 17.2 minutes over 31 games (seven starts) last season.

Holmes will be an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers. Given his age, 31, and lack of playing time last season, it’s no surprise that Washington would clear salary by cutting Holmes loose.

Holmes declined a $12.88M option on his contract last summer, then signed a two-year, $25.9M contract that included the partial guarantee. He had been acquired during the trade deadline from Dalls in the deal that sent Daniel Gafford to the Mavs. He appeared in 17 games for Washington that season, making eight starts and averaging 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game.

Holmes was once one of the most sought after big man in the league. He was signed by Sacramento on a four-year, $46M contract in 2021 and averaged in double digits in three consecutive seasons for the Kings.

Once the Wizards signed free agent Marvin Bagley III to back up Alex Sarr, it was clear that Holmes was no longer in the Wizards’ plans. Holmes should draw interest from teams seeking frontcourt depth.