The Washington Wizards have officially waived veteran center Richaun Holmes, as confirmed by the team’s public relations account on social media. This decision comes as the Wizards look to streamline their roster, particularly after recently signing Marvin Bagley III to a one-year contract and retaining emerging forward Tristan Vukcevic on a two-way deal.
Holmes, who is 31 years old, played a significant role off the bench for the Wizards last season, averaging 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds over 31 games. However, with only $250,000 of his contract guaranteed for the upcoming 2025-26 season, he became a candidate for the waiver wire as Washington navigates a crowded roster landscape.
Currently, the Wizards have 17 standard player contracts, along with three two-way deals, and they must reduce their roster to 15 standard contracts by the start of the season. This necessitates further roster adjustments in the lead-up to opening night.
As it stands, the Wizards have revamped their roster to strengthen their frontcourt, though it remains comparatively thin compared to their guard and wing positions. Alex Sarr is expected to hold the starting center position, while Bagley III will provide crucial backup. Vukcevic, although on a two-way deal, could serve as the third center, albeit with limited availability due to roster regulations.
Overall, while the decision to waive Holmes may seem difficult, it opens up opportunities for younger players and aligns the team’s strategy for the upcoming season. The Wizards are positioning themselves with a balance of experienced and developing talent aimed at improving their competitiveness in the league.