The Wizards picked up Rui Hachimura‘s third-year option and Troy Brown Jr.’s fourth-year option, per the team. Neither move comes as a surprise, as both young players factor into Washington’s long-term plans.
Hachimura hasn’t played this year after contracting pink eye, though when he returns, he is expected to start at the four for the franchise. Brown has been a playmaker off the bench through three games, the former No. 15 overall pick has a total of 15 points on 15 shots.
Washington hasn’t yet won a game in the Russell Westbrook era and their next opportunity comes against the Bulls on Tuesday. Chicago also sits at 0-3. Let’s check out some notes on the two sides ahead of the contest:
- The Wizards declined the fourth-year options for Jerome Robinson and Moritz Wagner, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports. Both players came to Washington via trade—Robinson from the Clippers at last year’s deadline, Wagner last summer as part of the Anthony Davis three-team trade. Each has had some promising moments, though neither has earned a consistent role in the rotation.
- Those expecting the Bulls to be better have been disappointed so far this season and Chicago may not get any better until it makes major moves to its roster. Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic sees a bevy of issues, including Zach LaVine not being efficient enough can’t be the first option on offense.
- In the same piece, Mayberry makes the case that the Bulls should have traded down from No. 4 instead of taking Patrick Williams at that spot. The Wizards were one of the teams with interest in trading up to that spot.
