After striking out on Al Horford, the Washington Wizards were still able to land another free agent big man in Ian Mahinmi. According to the multiple reports, the Wizards have agreed to sign Mahinimi to a four-year, $64 million deal.
The Wizards were considered one of the front-runners to sign Horford but he ultimately decided to go with the Celtics. Still needing a big man to replace Nene, who they likely won't re-sign, the Wizards scooped up Mahinmi instead.
While Mahinmi is no Horford, he is a very solid player. Last season, Mahinimi had a career year with averages of 9.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. His defense, especially serving as a rim protecting, and rebounding should be a big boost for the Wizards, who were a middle-of-the-road team in both areas last season.
However, $16 million per year for Mahinmi may be a bit of an overpay for the Wizards. Mahinmi will likely be a reserve in Washington and paying that much for a second-unit guy seems excessive, even in this market. Heck, the Pacers, who Mahinmi played for last season, just agreed to sign Al Jefferson at $10 million per year. The Wizards could of course start Mahinmi alongside Marcin Gortat, but that tandem will be a bit too slow defensively when going up against small-ball lineups.
Signing Mahinmi fills a need and he was perhaps the best available big for the Wizards but it could be a move that leads to some problems down the road in Washington.
