Wizards will have their shot at ideal free agent target next summer

Austin Reaves, Bub Carrington | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe Washington Wizards likely won't be contending for a championship in 2025-26, but the direction of the franchise is changing quickly. Next summer, they will have their shot to chase a free agent that fits their timeline and vision: Austin Reaves. The current Lakers guard is set to hit free agency in 2026, and his skillset and availability line up with everything Washington should be looking for.

Los Angeles likely won't be able to re-sign Reaves. Unless they trade him or re-sign him with cap space they do not have, the most likely outcome is that Reaves hits the open market unrestricted. At that point, it becomes a matter of…