NBA Free Agency: Washington Wizards Giving Ian Mahinmi $64 Million

A replacement for Nene has been found. According to CBS Sports, the Washington Wizards are signing Ian Mahinmi to a four year contract worth $64 million. The franchise decided to go with their backup plan after they failed to sign their top target in Al Horford. A front court upgrade was a priority for management.

As solid of a player that Nene has been during his time in the NBA, the Washington Wizards knew that it was time to move on. Their former starting power forward had been relegated to the bench when the team realized that they were more effective with Jared Dudley in a small ball line up.

For a small period of time, the Washington Wizards were considered one of the top options for Al Horford, the long time center for the Atlanta Hawks. He was arguably the second most coveted free agent in the NBA behind Kevin Durant.

Washington, San Antonio and Minnesota in the mix for C Ian Mahinmi, who won’t return to Indy next year after Pacers’ deal w/Al Jefferson.

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 2, 2016

Unfortunately for the Washington Wizards, Al Horford opted to sign a $113 million contract with the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN. The team has long been searching for a big name star to add to their roster. The Celtics already were an NBA Playoffs team, adding Horford makes them a much stronger contender.

Now that they have Al Horford on the roster, the Boston Celtics will now attempt to sign Kevin Durant, the same player that has long been rumored to be joining the Washington Wizards in free agency. Durant, however, has decided that he doesn’t even want to meet with the Wizards.

While they were focused on trying to sign Al Horford, the Washington Wizards ended up losing their starting power forward. According to ESPN, the Phoenix Suns handed Jared Dudley a three year contract worth $30 million. Dudley had publicly stated that he was very open to returning to the Wizards in free agency.

Ian Mahinmi is considered a very solid player in the NBA. He was a valuable member of the Indiana Pacers rotation last season. Mahinmi average 9.3 points and 7.5 rebounds, which is considered quite useful for any front court. The Washington Wizards know that they’re not getting a star player, but they are getting someone that can help them out.

Though there’s a chance that he could start at power forward, the belief around the NBA is that Ian Mahinmi will be providing backup minutes behind Marcin Gortat at the center position.

The reason why the Indiana Pacers were willing to let Ian Mahinmi leave via free agency was because they were able to secure the services of a former All NBA big man. According to ESPN, the Pacers signed Al Jefferson to a three year contract worth approximately $30 million.

According to SB Nation, Ian Mahinmi is going to become a defensive anchor for the Washington Wizards. Mahinmi used to have issues with fouls, but he has shown more maturity and discipline over the past year, which has helped him become a much better defender.

Another thing that Ian Mahinmi has improved is being a passer in the pick and roll. 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. Mahinmi and John Wall should be able to mesh well together.

Ian Mahinmi signing with the Washington Wizards isn’t going to generate the biggest headlines in free agency. However, it is a signing that could help the Wizards become much more competitive in the Eastern Conference. It might even help them get back to the NBA Playoffs.

[Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images]