Wizards Quietly Making Moves

The NBA Trade Deadline has passed and there weren’t any major trades for the Washington Wizards. Sometimes, the best moves are the moves that wasn’t made. Sometimes, making a trade or any deal doesn’t have an immediate impact. Rather, they provide an opportunity for self evaluating. The Washington Wizards have decided to cut ties with Guard/Forward Will Barton.

With approximately one-third of NBA teams still with an available roster spot, free agents include: Serge Ibaka, John Wall, LaMarcus Aldridge, Will Barton, Stanley Johnson, Wayne Ellington, Tyler Johnson, Sterling Brown, Hassan Whiteside, David Nwabe, Michael Carter-Williams.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023

Barton signed with the Washington Wizards last offseason. He has had a great career thus far. He provided floor spacing and explosiveness within the offense while in Denver. However, things haven’t worked out very well during his tenure with the Wizards. While it is unfortunate Will Barton has been released, this plan should work out as an addition by subtraction. With his departure, it offers up an open roster spot. With that open roster spot, Washington has converted Jordan Goodwin’s contract into a full time role with the team.

The Washington Wizards plan to convert two-way guard Jordan Goodwin to standard NBA contract, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Goodwin earns new deal, emerging as a rotation player this season for Wizards.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2023

Jordan Goodwin has had a few good games in a limited role with the Wizards this season. Washington knows he can play and that he has something good to offer. Now that he is no longer on a two-way deal, the Wizards will look to use Goodwin a bit more giving him more of an opportunity to make a name for himself. He has the ability to stretch the floor, control the rock and take it to the basket, and even facilitate quite a bit within the offense. While being signed for the rest of the season with the Washington Wizards, if things work out, don’t be surprised to see him start next to All Star Bradley Beal in the backcourt.