Indiana Pacers free-agent center Ian Mahinmi, reportedly a Blazers target, announced that he will be taking his talents to the Beltway, agreeing to a deal with the Washington Wizards. The Celtics already were an NBA Playoffs team. The team let Big Al walk in free agency and they are now looking to sign a center who can replace his spot. Wizards moving on to Plan B after losing out on Al Horford. All were career-high totals for the 8-year National Basketball Association veteran, who played much of the season with a balky back.
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At $16 million annually, you have to wonder if the Washington Wizards could have found a player of Mahinmi’s caliber for cheaper. The Wizards are missing and they’re missing badly.
The move would’ve been a significant one for Washington, which couldn’t even get a meeting with Kevin Durant, but also would’ve raised the question of how the pieces would’ve fit with starting center Marcin Gortat and power forward Markieff Morris. He also played through a bevy of injuries last season, as Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star detailed.
According to Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post, the Washington Wizards have agreed to a four-year deal with former Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi worth $64 million.
Mahinmi, who will be 30 at the start of the season, is coming off a career-best season in terms of offensive production.
Ian Mahinmi is the newest member of the Wizards. Once he receives the ball from the point guard, Mahinmi has a knack for finding the open man because he knows that the defense will be drawn to him.
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With the four-time All-Star off the board, the Wizards focused their attention on Mahinmi. However, it is a signing that could help the Wizards become much more competitive in the Eastern Conference.
