Washington Wizards In "Serious Discussions" To Re-Sign Star Player

The Washington Wizards have a couple of star players who can opt out of their contracts after the season, and they're determined to keep them. Word this morning from NBA Insider Shams Charania is that the Wiz are in "serious discussions" with center/forward/unicorn Kristaps Porziņģis on a long-term extension.

In the discussions, Porziņģis would opt out of the $36M on the final year of his contract for next season, and instead negotiate a new long-term deal. The Wizards have until the end of June to execute such a transaction, before the 7'3" forward would become an unrestricted free agent, should he indeed opt-out.

Washington can offer Porziņģis a maximum of four years and $180M under this opt-out-and-extend scenario. 

The 27-year-old is having his best season since his All-Star year with the New York Knicks back in 2017-18. He's averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.5 blocks in 65 games this season. 

The Wizards, unfortunately, are still having another dreadful season, as their playoff/play-in hopes are quickly slipping away. 

They'll also have to contend with Kyle Kuzma's situation this offseason, as he, too, can opt-out and become a free agent.