NBA Rumors: Wizards Big Man To Decline Player Option & Become Free Agent

The Unicorn is back. Playing at his highest level since his All-Star season five years ago, Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis has put his name back on the NBA map. The 7'3" center/forward is due to make $36M in the final year of his 5-year, $158M contract next season. But according to a report today from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, he is likely to decline that option.

Two NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Porzingis could opt out of his $36 million player option and enter free agency with the potential to secure a new long-term contract from Washington or another team along the lines of three years, $90 million or four years, $120 million given his current health and play this season.

Porzingis never quite clicked as Luka Doncic's sidekick in Dallas, but has taken it up to a new level this season in Washington. He's leading the Wizards in scoring at 22.4 points per game, in rebounds at 8.9 and in blocked shots at 1.5.

He wouldn't be the only Wizards player to opt-out and enter free agency in 2023, however, as we reported last week that teammate Kyle Kuzma is set to do the same thing. 

Given all of this, plus their recent 10-game losing streak to fall from playoff contention for the time being in the East, the Wizards are a prime candidate to be dealing a star or two come the Feb. 9th trade deadline. Rival GMs are circling DC already, with Porzingis and Kuzma in their sights. 

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports