A year ago, the Wizards were hellbent on saving their roster. Despite tight spending limits, owner Ted Leonsis okay’d Tommy Sheppard’s decision to pay Bradley Beal.
After giving Beal $251 million, Washington’s cap space became scarce. A minute budget meant relying on guys on vet minimum deals to fill the gaps. Players like Taj Gibson and Anthony Gill were called upon to step up.
As a result, depth failed them.
This organization was in purgatory. A middle-of-the-pack team, 6th seed at best, that had $251 million invested in a number two option and was about to pay big money next offseason to their other star players.