Wizards forward Isaac Bonga. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
The Washington Wizards have some big decisions to make in free agency for next year. There are three free agents who don’t make sense to keep.
The Wizards had a go of it in the Eastern Conference this season, making their way into the playoffs via a play-in game before being bounced by the 76ers in five games.
It was fun while it lasted. Now the team has to come to terms with the makeup of their roster for next year.
Which players should fans expect to leave for other opportunities?
Wizards players who won’t return for the 2021-22 season
Isaac Bonga
The Wizards landed Isaac Bonga in 2019 as part of the trade that sent Anthony Davis from the Lakers to the Pelicans. He was an interesting young prospect capable of playing small forward or point guard.
Over the last two years, Bonga has averaged 3.8 points and 2.7 rebounds while playing 15.9 minutes per game. For this past season, in particular, the advanced metrics haven’t been kind to him. His value over replacement and box plus/minus was third worst on the team. His offensive box plus/minus was especially poor.
Bonga is only 21 and he definitely has room to grow. However, he was reportedly on the trade block earlier this year. He’ll be a restricted free agent this offseason. The likelihood of the Wizards matching an offer from another team out there who might be willing to bank on his potential is slim.