News Wizards Team Notes

[Washington Wizards]

The new WNBL CBA could give insight into a new WNBA CBA

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

The WNBA’s current CBA ends after this year.

Last Sunday, Luka Petridis of The Next wrote a column regarding the Australian WNBL’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will be used starting in the 2025-26 season. That CBA will be good through 2029. Some of the highlights include a 104 percent increase in the minimum wage and salary increases proportionate to the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) rates. In addition, developmental players will receive a 314 percent increase in wages.

Some WNBA players, including Washington Mystics guard Jade Melbourne play for the UC Capitals in the WNBA during the winter.

It’s difficult to say exactly what this means for the WNBA, considering the WNBA is a larger league in terms of media coverage. However, based on the salary increases for minimum-wage players in Australia, it would be reasonable to assume that WNBA players will be seeking something similar for their minimum-wage or bench players.

Let us know what things you would like to see in the next WNBA CBA in the comments below. Personally, I would like to see roster expansions increased to 14 players per team. But again, that’s just me.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2025/4/29/24420226/australian-wnbl-new-cba-clues-wnba-cba

 

[Washington Wizards]

All of Washington’s major sports teams could be playing in D.C. from 2030 on

Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

The Washington Commanders have tentatively agreed to play their games in Washington again at the start of the next decade. It would be a big deal for all of Washington’s sports teams.

This week has been big news for the Washington Commanders NFL team. They are set to return to Washington, D.C., by 2030, following a preliminary agreement reached with the city on Monday to construct a new 65,000-seat domed stadium on the historic RFK Stadium site, located east of the Capitol and adjacent to the D.C. Armory.

There are still many hurdles to overcome, especially a vote by the D.C. Council. And there will be NIMBY’s. However, let’s take a step back and assume that the project proceeds. If so, the Commanders will be in D.C. starting in the 2030 season. And it would mean something bigger.

With a potential Commanders move to D.C., all major professional sports teams will play within D.C. proper, which goes beyond just the “Big Four”:

• The Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL) play at Capital One Arena in Chinatown. Furthermore, the Wizards and Capitals would also be playing at the newly renovated Capital One Arena.
• The Washington Nationals (MLB) play at Nationals Park near the Washington Navy Yard and Marine Barracks.
• D.C. United (MLS) and Washington Spirit (NWSL) play at Audi Field, just a few blocks from the Nationals.
• The Washington Mystics (WNBA) play at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. The Mystics are also playing some games at Capital One Arena.

It has been many years, definitely more than 40 or even 50 years, since all of Washington’s major sports teams (and yes, we’ll include the MLS, WNBA, and NWSL for these purposes) play in the same jurisdiction. Assuming all of this goes through, you have to give the D.C. government a hat tip for ensuring that all of the major sports teams are playing in the city that they represent.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025...ports-teams-all-in-dc-2030-commanders-stadium

 

[Washington Wizards]

What are the Wizards’ critical dates of the 2025 NBA offseason?

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The Wizards aren’t playing NBA basketball for the next five months. But it will still be busy behind the scenes.

The Washington Wizards haven’t played games in over two weeks. They won’t again for another five months now that the 2025 NBA offseason is here. However, this will be the second critical offseason for Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger and General Manager Will Dawkins. The offseason will have a lot of critical dates, and let’s go through them below.

May 2025​

The NBA Draft combine starts in less than two weeks as well. And even before then, the G League will hold a camp. May 12 is the biggest day on the calendar for Wizards fans, where we will find out where Washington will pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

• May 9–11 – NBA G League Elite Camp
• May 11–18 – NBA Draft Combine (Chicago)
• May 12 – NBA Draft Lottery
• May 28 – Deadline for NCAA players to withdraw from the draft and retain college eligibility

June 2025​

The NBA Finals will be on. But for Wizards fans, we will be counting down the days until the draft and the start of free agency.

• June 15 – Final deadline for all early entrants (including international players) to withdraw from the NBA Draft
• June 25–26 – 2025 NBA Draft (Barclays Center, Brooklyn)
• June 29 – Deadline for teams to extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents; deadline for players to exercise player, team, or early termination options
• June 30 – Free agency negotiation window opens at 5:00 p.m. ET

July 2025​

This is typically the biggest month for the NBA offseason because of stars changing teams. Wizards fans probably won’t see any big names sign with Washington. Unless they ... get the ... No. 1 pick perhaps?

• July 1 – Free agency moratorium period begins (agreements allowed, but no official signings)
• July 6 – Moratorium ends at 11:01 a.m. ET; signings and trades can become official
• July 10–20 – NBA Summer League (Las Vegas)

August 2025​

The Wizards have Bilal Coulibaly who played for France in the 2024 Olympics. Alex Sarr is also a French player. Because of that, Wizards fans will definitely have a closer eye on EuroBasket. Men’s EuroBasket that is.

Team USA will participate in AmeriCup but the national team will likely be made of G League players and other Americans who play in leagues outside the USA. If a Capital City Go-Go player makes Team USA, we’ll certainly keep an eye on that tournament. Otherwise, it’s probably just EuroBasket. For reference, I’ve also put the dates of the other continental tournaments.

• Aug. 5 – Deadline to issue tenders to unsigned second-round picks
• Aug. 5–17 – FIBA Asia Cup 2025 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia)
• Aug. 12–24 – FIBA AfroBasket 2025 (Luanda, Angola)
• Aug. 22–31 – FIBA AmeriCup 2025 (Managua, Nicaragua)
• Aug. 27–September 14 – FIBA EuroBasket 2025 (Group stages in Riga, Tampere, Limassol, and Katowice; final phase in Riga)
• Aug. 29 – Final day to waive players and apply the stretch provision for 2025–26 salaries

September 2025​

Unless Les Bleus are going for la medaille d’or, Wizards fans will be counting down the days until the 2025-26 NBA season.

• Late September – NBA training camps open

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025/5/1/24421705/washington-wizards-2025-nba-offseason-dates

 

[Washington Wizards]

Georgia Amoore suffers right ACL injury during Mystics training camp

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

She suffered the injury during practice.

On Wednesday, the Washington Mystics announced that rookie guard Georgia Amoore had a right ACL injury during practice yesterday. In a press release, the Mystics said that her condition will be updated as appropriate.

Considering the fact that ACL injuries are often tears, that would likely mean that Amoore, the 6th pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, will miss the 2025 WNBA season. However, since the Mystics didn’t explicitly say that she tore that ligament, it’s unclear if the ACL was torn or not.

Let us know what you think this means for the Mystics’ opening day roster and more in the comments below.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/myst...re-washington-mystics-wnba-injury-update-knee

 

[Washington Wizards]

Preview: Mystics face Fever on Saturday afternoon

Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images

The 2025 WNBA preseason begins tomorrow for the Mystics.

The Washington Mystics travel to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Fever in their 2025 preseason opener. Let’s preview this one.

Game Info​

• Date and time: Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET ET
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
• TV: NBA TV or Monumental Sports Network
• Injury Report: For the Mystics, Aaliyah Edwards (back) and Georgia Amoore (knee) are out. The Fever do not have any reported injuries.

Game Notes​

The Mystics are entering a developmental phase after losing several veteran contributors in the offseason, most notably with Ariel Atkins going to the Chicago Sky and Karlie Samuelson going to the Minnesota Lynx.

Without Edwards and Amoore, look for rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to step into larger roles early. This game is a chance for Washington to test its young core and establish early identity under new leadership with Sydney Johnson as head coach.

The Fever, led by second-year point guard Caitlin Clark, have upgraded their frontcourt with veterans DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard. Indiana will be in the playoff mix this season, and their new coaching staff, led by Stephanie White will be watching closely to see how the new pieces fit around Clark and Aliyah Boston.

This matchup will give us a chance where each team stands as they prepare for the 2025 WNBA season.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/myst...ngton-mystics-indiana-fever-wnba-game-preview

 

[Washington Wizards]

Bleav in Wizards Podcast: Analyzing the seasons of several key Wizards & growing mentorship relationships

Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly seem to have a real bond. | Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Several Wizards veterans have taken key young players under their wings, so we discuss those relationship dynamics.

On the latest Bleav in Wizards podcast, Jahadi White & I tie a bow on the Wizards 2024-25 season and talk through the season’s of several key Wizards, including Marcus Smart, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Jordan Poole. We also covered the exit interview quotes of several players and head coach Brian Keefe.

0:00 - Intro

6:00 - Bub Carrington’s season

11:00 - The developing relationship between Marcus Smart and Alex Sarr

17:00 - Was Sarr soft this season? How do you fix that?

24:00 - Smart is the perfect messenger for younger players

29:00 - Jordan Poole’s significant growth. Is he the right leader for the team?

37:00 - Poole and Bilal Coulibaly playing 1v1 and working out together this offseason

41:00 - Coulibaly got better but we need more consistency

43:00 - Coulibaly’s Swiss Army Knife potential

50:00 - Head Coach Brian Keefe on the development of the young guys

53:00 - Kyshawn George’s growing confidence and not overthinking things

59:00 - What to make of Tristan Vukcevic

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025...-poole-alex-sarr-marcus-smart-bilal-coulibaly

 

[Washington Wizards]

Recap: Mystics lose to Fever, 79-74 in OT

Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Sonia Citron added 15 points in her professional debut (even if it’s the preseason.

On Saturday, the Washington Mystics lost to the Indiana Fever, 79–74 in an overtime thriller at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, marking the preseason opener for both WNBA teams. Despite missing star sophomore point guard Caitlin Clark due to a left leg injury, the Fever showcased resilience and depth to secure the win.

The Mystics started strong, leading by 11 points after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 15 in the second. However, the Fever mounted a comeback, tying the game by the end of regulation. Sophie Cunningham led Indiana with 21 points off the bench, including two crucial three-pointers, while Lexie Hull contributed 13 points and a team-high four steals. The Fever’s defense was pivotal, forcing 25 turnovers and converting them into 17 points.

For Washington, Brittney Sykes scored a game-high 18 points, and Stefanie Dolson added 10 points and eight rebounds. Sonia Citron also made significant contributions by adding 15 points and getting the start. Despite their efforts, the Mystics struggled with ball control, committing 25 turnovers that proved costly.

The game featured 12 lead changes and five ties, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup. In overtime, the Fever outscored the Mystics 8–3, capitalizing on their defensive pressure and free-throw accuracy. Indiana’s 96.4 percent free-throw shooting (27-of-28) was instrumental in sealing the victory.

This win sets a positive tone for the Fever’s season, demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure. The Mystics, while showcasing potential, will look to address their turnover issues as they prepare for upcoming games.

The Mystics’ next game is against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday. Tip off is at 11:30 a.m. ET. See you then.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/myst...hington-mystics-indiana-fever-wnba-game-recap

 

[Washington Wizards]

Poll: Fans say Edwards is NBA’s top game-changer, want replay leeway

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images

Let’s look at the results for this week’s NBA Reacts survey.

SB Nation Reacts had another national survey this week, this time focusing on more things as we head toward the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

According to the latest survey, 73 percent of NBA fans who responded believe the replay center should have more power to overrule referees on the floor. This growing sentiment underscores widespread frustration with officiating inconsistencies, especially during crucial game moments. As replay technology becomes more advanced, fans are increasingly calling for it to be used more effectively to ensure accuracy in key decisions. The desire for greater replay involvement suggests that fans want a more objective process in place to minimize errors made by on-court referees, especially when game outcomes are on the line.

Here are this week’s @sbnreacts poll results. pic.twitter.com/9xz9pkFRZM

— Bullets Forever (@BulletsForever) May 2, 2025​

In another poll, 35 percent of NBA fans consider Anthony Edwards the best big-game player in the league right now. The Minnesota Timberwolves star has earned this distinction after leading the Wolves to a first round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Edwards is averaging 26.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

Today, here are tonight’s NBA playoff games so feel free to use this as your open thread for tonight.

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Brought to you by FanDuel.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025...n-reacts-survey-anthony-edwards-replay-center

 

[Washington Wizards]

NBA Playoffs thread for May 4

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Chat about the NBA Playoffs here!

Two critical NBA Playoff games are on the schedule today. Feel free to use this as your open thread now that the

Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1: Indiana Pacers at Cleveland Cavaliers​

• Time: 6 p.m. ET ET
• Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 1
• TV: TNT, truTV, Max

The Cavaliers begin their second-round campaign after sweeping the Miami Heat, while the Pacers come in hot after a 4–1 series win over the Bucks. Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland against Tyrese Haliburton and a young, confident Indy squad.

Western Conference Playoffs, Game 7: Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets​

• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Round: Western Conference First Round – Game 7
• TV: TNT, truTV, Max

Houston has come back from a 3–1 series deficit to force this win-or-go-home matchup. Golden State will lean on Stephen Curry’s playoff experience, while Houston tries to complete the comeback and advance to face Minnesota.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025/5/4/24423480/nba-playoffs-thread-for-may-4

 

[Washington Wizards]

NBA Playoffs Thread for May 5

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Chat about the games here on Cinco de Mayo.

The first round of 2025 NBA Playoffs is now complete. Now we head to the second round.

New York Knicks at Boston Celtics​

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Round: Eastern Conference Semifinals – Game 1
• TV: TNT, truTV, Max

The Celtics, after dispatching the Orlando Magic in five games, host the Knicks, who advanced by defeating the Detroit Pistons. Boston swept New York in the regular season, but the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson, aim to change the narrative and get New York back to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder​

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• Round: Western Conference Semifinals – Game 1
• TV: TNT, truTV, Max

The top-seeded Thunder begin their series against the Nuggets, who are coming off a seven-game series win over the Clippers. Oklahoma City, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, will look to capitalize on home-court advantage against Nikola Jokic and his crew.

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Feel free to use this space to chat about the games as well as anything else in the NBA as we head toward the Draft Lottery on May 12. That will be a big day for the Washington Wizards!

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025/5/5/24424145/nba-playoffs-thread-for-may-5

 

[Washington Wizards]

The WNBA players union may strike before 2026. Should they?

Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

The WNBA is riding a wave of growth. But macroeconomic and political factors are also headwinds.

The WNBPA or WNBA Players Union decided to opt out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement last October. But they could take this a step further. Last weekend, Chelsea Leite of SB Nation wrote that WNBA players will not rule out a strike before the 2026 season, where they initiate a work stoppage. This is different than a lockout, where the team owners initiate that stoppage.

Leite writes about why the WNBPA won’t rule out a strike. The WNBA is riding a wave of success. A landmark $200 million annual media rights deal kicks off in 2026 ($2.2 billion over 11 years), signaling serious commercial validation. Player visibility—from sophomore players like Angel Reese to Caitlin Clark—is skyrocketing.

WNBA Players are pushing for transformative change: higher salaries (which are definitely happening), fully chartered travel written into the CBA, enhanced retirement benefits, and equitable maternity protections. A strike threat could be the leverage they need to secure structural gains—not just individual perks.

I agree with all of these goals. But I also disagree with Leite’s assertion that the “players have all the leverage this time around.”

Here is why. The US GDP contracted in the first quarter of 2025 by 0.3 percent, driven largely by Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his economic protectionist agenda. A recession could be looming. Meanwhile, policy shifts suggest a more hostile environment for both non-American workers and LGBTQ individuals—of whom many WNBA players are members.

Even with the new media deal and growing fanbase, the WNBA may cite economic uncertainty as a reason to stall or scale back commitments.

Bottom line: the WNBPA and the WNBA must push forward—but neither side can afford to overplay their hand.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/mystics/2025/5/6/24424807/wnba-players-union-strike-possibility

 

[Washington Wizards]

Recap: Mystics lose to Dream 80-70

Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images

Brittney Sykes led Washington with 13 points in 18 minutes of game action.

The Washington Mystics lost to the Atlanta Dream 80–70 in a preseason game at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. The Dream’s dominant first quarter, outscoring the Mystics 30–10, set the tone for the game. Brittney Griner led Atlanta with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Rhyne Howard added 14 points, including four three-pointers. Nia Coffey contributed 14 points off the bench.

The Mystics struggled early, committing multiple turnovers and shooting poorly from beyond the arc, finishing 3-of-19 from three-point range. Brittney Sykes led Washington with 13 points. In addition, Kiki Iriafen added 12 points and six rebounds. Despite a second-quarter surge, the Mystics couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

Atlanta’s defense forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 15 points, and their bench outscored Washington’s reserves 38–31. The Dream also dominated fast-break points, 11–0.

Though Atlanta won this game, they didn’t get through this game unscathed. Jordin Canada left the game early in the first quarter in due to an apparent knee injury.

here is the play from this morning where jordin canada suffered an apparent right knee injury

she was helped to the locker room and could not put much weight on her right leg pic.twitter.com/03LCX1Fyni

— jack maloney (@jackmaloneycbs) May 7, 2025​

This game highlighted the Dream’s depth and defensive prowess. It also marked the return of Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, who now plays for Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Mystics will look to improve their ball control and shooting efficiency as the regular season approaches.

The Mystics’ preseason is now complete. They will play their first regular season game on Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET, also against the Dream at CareFirst Arena. See you then.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/myst...stics-atlanta-dream-wnba-preseason-game-recap

 

[Washington Wizards]

Recap: NBA Playoff Games from May 8

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Knicks come back from a 20 point deficit to beat the Celtics. And the Thunder scored 87 points in a half to even up their series against the Nuggets.

Happy Thursday everyone. Sorry I forgot to put up a thread for yesterday’s playoff games. I had a matter to attend to last night. But anyway, here’s the recap.

Eastern Conference Game 2: Knicks Rally Late, Stun Celtics to Take 2–0 Series Lead​

The New York Knicks pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks of the postseason, erasing a 20-point second-half deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics 91–90 at TD Garden. With the win, the Knicks now lead their series 2–0 as the series heads to Madison Square Garden against the defending NBA champions.

The is cinema.

The Knicks' full second-half comeback

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/eoxqvpL5gP

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 8, 2025​

Mikal Bridges, scoreless for much of the night, erupted in the fourth quarter, scoring all 14 of his points and making the game-sealing steal on Jayson Tatum in the final seconds. Josh Hart led all Knicks scorers with 23 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a dominant 21-point, 17-rebound double-double. Jalen Brunson added 17 points, including two clutch free throws with under 13 seconds remaining.

Boston collapsed, going more than eight minutes without a field goal in the fourth quarter. I know the Wizards had some tough stretches this past season. But Boston had it worse in this game. Anyway, the Celtics also struggled from three-point range, finishing just 10-for-40, despite holding a double-digit lead for much of the game.

Western Conference Game 2: Thunder Explode for 149, Flatten Nuggets to Even Series 1–1​

Oklahoma City responded emphatically in Game 2, routing the Denver Nuggets 149–106 to tie the Western Conference Semifinals at 1–1.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 34 points and 8 assists, controlling the pace from start to finish. The Thunder made playoff history by scoring 87 points in the first half, overwhelming Denver with relentless pace and sharp shooting. Eight OKC players finished in double figures.

That’s a big contrast from the Knicks-Celtics game, where the Knicks scored just ... 91 points.

87 PTS in the 1H for the Thunder

Most points in a half in the playoffs in the play-by-play era (1997-98)

DEN-OKC 3Q underway on TNTpic.twitter.com/ErUxyL5bJB

— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) May 8, 2025​

Nikola Jokic managed 17 points for Denver but fouled out late in the third quarter with the game already out of reach. After taking a statement win at home, the Thunder now prepare for a pivotal Game 3 on the road in Denver.

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I’ll make sure we have a thread for NBA Playoff games tonight, I promise!

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025...ff-games-may-8-knicks-celtics-thunder-nuggets

 

[Washington Wizards]

Report: Wizards keen on drafting Flagg and Harper, but also strategy

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

The Wizards will probably continue to target positional size and youth if they do not get a top two pick.

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery will not be until Monday. But in the meantime, there are reports on how the Washington Wizards plan on handling the draft process, depending on where the lottery results go.

According to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, the Wizards are keen on picking Duke forward Cooper Flagg at No. 1 or Rutgers guard Dylan Harper at No. 2. But if they do not get a Top 2 selection, Washington would likely continue building with positional size and youth. Here is the quote from Woo’s piece.

The Wizards stand out as a particularly interesting landing spot for Flagg, who would form a strong defensive backbone with Sarr and have the opportunity to stretch himself offensively in Washington, as well. There are also big fans of Harper in this front office, and the Rutgers guard would give the Wizards a lead playmaker worth building their offense around.

Washington remains committed to its long-haul process and will likely play the lottery again next year, positioning the Wizards to keep taking big swings atop the draft. If their 2024 draft class was any indicator, the Wizards are highly valuing positional size and targeting young players with strong feel. If they don’t end up with a top-two pick, those criteria will still guide what direction they go.

Even if the Wizards do get the No. 1 pick this year, that doesn’t mean that Flagg will get Washington to at least the play-in round. If anything, they will still likely be lottery bound, not unlike the San Antonio Spurs the last two seasons with promising forward Victor Wembanyama. But still, I won’t lie. I’d like a No. 1 overall pick this year to jumpstart this rebuild.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source: https://www.bulletsforever.com/2025...n-wizards-cooper-flagg-dylan-harper-nba-draft