Wizards Cut Ties With Richaun Holmes, Saving Nearly $13 Million
The Washington Wizards have waived veteran center Richaun Holmes, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. By making this move, the team will only pay $250,000 of his $13.28 million contract for next season.
Holmes put up decent numbers in limited playing time last season. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds in just 17.2 minutes per game across 31 appearances.
His shooting was particularly impressive – hitting nearly 65% of his shots from the field and over 83% from the free throw line.
The big man, who turns 32 in October, will hit the open market once he clears waivers.
Washington acquired Holmes from Dallas at the trade deadline earlier this year. During his brief stint with the Wizards, he started 8 of his 17 games, averaging 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds while playing just under 19 minutes per night.
Holmes made an interesting financial gamble last summer. He declined a $12.88 million option to sign a two-year deal worth $25.9 million instead. That new contract included only the $250,000 guarantee for the second year – which the Wizards have now decided not to pay in full.
The writing was on the wall for Holmes after Washington signed Marvin Bagley III to back up rookie Alex Sarr. With those two handling center duties, Holmes became expendable.
Despite being cut, Holmes shouldn’t struggle to find a new team. Several contenders need frontcourt depth heading into next season.
Heat and Celtics Could Target Holmes
The Miami Heat have been busy reshaping their roster this offseason. They’ve already landed Norman Powell from the Clippers in a three-team deal that also involved the Jazz.
Miami also drafted big man Vladislav Goldin to join a frontcourt currently featuring Bam Adebayo and Kel’el Ware. Holmes could fit nicely as another reliable option in their rotation.
The Boston Celtics might be an even more logical landing spot.
The defending champs have lost significant frontcourt depth this summer with Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford all departing. That leaves Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and Luka Garza as their only true centers.
Boston currently has 15 players signed, though some are on non-guaranteed deals. They can only offer Holmes the veteran’s minimum salary.
The upside for Holmes? He’d likely see more playing time in Boston than most other contenders could offer.
