Free agency is set to begin Sunday for the NBA and the Washington Wizards have identified center Thomas Bryant as their top priority, according to Chris Miller of NBC Sports Washington.
The Wizards have extended a qualifying offer to Bryant, according to Fred Katz of the Athletic.
Bryant is now a restricted free agent, allowing the Wizards to match any offer sheet he receives from other suitors.
Bryant has been a pleasant surprise for the Wizards, who acquired the former Indiana Hoosier by claiming him off waives after he was released by the Los Angeles Lakers.
In his first full season in the NBA, Bryant averaged 20.3 minutes, 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 61.6 percent from the field in 72 games last season. Bryant, who will turn 22 years of age on Jul. 31, is raw and green, but showed flashes as evident by 18.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Washington has little to know salary cap and are looking to lock up some of its numerous free agents that they retain bird rights. Bryant is one of them and one that could help immensely with the Wizards’ rebuild going forward.
