The Washington Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, and how they proceed this offseason could have a big impact on how quickly they can complete their rebuild. The first step is taking care of their current group of free agents, and it looks like they’ve made a decision on the future of Richaun Holmes.
Holmes was acquired by Washington in trade with the Dallas Mavericks for Daniel Gafford and played well in limited action to finish the season with his new team (7.1 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 0.6 APG, 55.7 FG%). Holmes had a player option worth $12.8 million on his contract, and although he declined that option on Saturday, it was so he could sign a new deal. Two-year extension worth $25.9 million with the magicians.
Wizards hope that Richaun Holmes can become an important player in the future
Holmes has shown his potential several times throughout his career, but has been marred by inconsistency. While he has the tools to be an impactful two-way big man, he struggles to do so for extended periods of time, which is why he continues to bounce from team to team so often.
After he failed to find a role with the Mavericks, they sent him to the Wizards, where he had a little more success on the court. The hope is that Holmes can hold down the fort in the frontcourt for Washington over the next two seasons as they try to find young talent and develop them into stars.
If Holmes plays to his full potential, he could be a consistent performer for a struggling Wizards team in the 2024-25 season. In the 2020-21 season, which was easily the best of Holmes’ career, he put up solid numbers for the Sacramento Kings while starting 61 games (14.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 63.7 FG%). Whether Holmes can still play at that level at this stage of his career remains to be seen, however.
However, on a pretty struggling Wizards team, Holmes should have a chance to carve out a solid role for himself on this team. Washington will obviously prioritize developing their young talent going forward, but considering the team is willing to pay him up to $13.3 million for the upcoming season, it’s safe to assume they’re hoping he can perform for them on the court.
Given the cost associated with this deal, this is a good move for Washington, giving them a solid option to hold down the fort in the frontcourt for the time being. There’s no telling if Holmes will be a consistent performer for the team, but if he can find a role for himself, this could prove to be a secretly good move for the Wizards over the next two seasons.
