After battling through a shortened NBA season that was riddled with injuries and affected by health and safety protocols, the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal still managed to make a strong playoff push and grab the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite an early playoff exit, they showed a lot of promise this season and proved that with a fully healthy team they have the depth and talent to make a lot of noise in the playoffs.

With Ish Smith and Raul Neto set to be free agents and the strong possibility of the team moving on from Russell Westbrook, the Wizards will have a lot of work to get done this summer. Their biggest task at hand will be building a stronger supporting cast around scoring title runner-up Bradley Beal. Having said all this, let's take a look at the five free agents the Wizards must sign to get more help for Beal this offseason.

Wizards free agency targets:

Kyle Lowry 

After a long tenure with the Toronto Raptors where he helped lead them to an NBA championship and many deep playoff runs, Kyle Lowry will officially be a free agent this summer. In Lowry, the Wizards would have the perfect backcourt pairing with Bradley Beal. This would give them a tough-minded defensive guard that could run the point efficiently.

Lowry's well-rounded offensive game would also give the Wizards a reliable scoring punch at the point guard spot that would lessen Beal's offensive load. His playmaking ability would also form a great pick-and-roll combination with Thomas Bryant that in-turn could shorten the amount of minutes Beal spends playing combo guard.

With the addition of Lowry, the Wizards would have a well-rounded starting five that consists of Bradley Beal, Kyle Lowry, Davis Bertans, Rui Hachimura, and Thomas Bryant. A full season with this line up could climb the ranks of the Eastern Conference and make the Wizards the next great surprise of the NBA.

Mike Conley

Coming off another disappointing postseason finish with the Utah Jazz , Mike Conley could be looking for a change of scenery this summer. Looking to bounce back next season after being derailed by a hamstring injury for most of this year's playoffs, Conley would definitely be a huge asset to the Wizards with his crafty playmaking and smooth scoring touch. With these skillsets, Conley would be the perfect backcourt mate for Bradley Beal.

He'd give them a multi-talented backcourt that could propel the Wizards into a top four team in the top-heavy Eastern Conference. With Conley and Beal both having the ability to play point or shooting guard at any given moment, they would create stellar ball movement and open up more scoring opportunities for Bertans, Hachimura, and Bryant.

Plus with Conley's defensive-minded approach to the game, the Wizards would have a more complete defensive backcourt that would provide them with stronger perimeter defense. Adding Conley to this dynamic Wizards squad would also give them a seasoned NBA veteran who bring can provide them with great leadership and playoff experience. This signing would re-energize and rejuvenate a highly talented roster on the verge of  making a deep playoff run.

DeMar DeRozan 

Looking to test the free agency market after reportedly being unhappy in San Antonio, DeMar DeRozan would be an ideal fit for the Washington Wizards. DeRozan is a versatile scoring threat that can play shooting guard or small forward and would fit in seamlessly with the Wizards up-tempo style of play.

With his athleticism and leaping ability, he and Bradley Beal would be exchanging alley oops and making highlight reels all season long. Plus with his new and improved jumper, the Wizards would also gain another go-to scorer that can take some of the pressure off Beal to knock down game winning shots or close out close games. Adding DeRozan to this up-and-coming Wizards team would revitalize the Wizards as a dark horse playoff contender.

Alex Len 

Re-signing Alex Len is an absolute must if the Wizards want to stay competitive next year, seeing as he was a huge factor to the team's late-season success. This past year Len provided them with an athletic big that could run the floor and consistently finish at the rim.

He also provided the Wizards with strong rebounding and great rim protection while filling in for an injured Thomas Bryant.

With Bryant expected to be back at full strength next season, Len would be vital as a back-up center that could provide meaningful minutes playing in their second unit. With a very quiet market for big men this offseason, the Wizards definitely need to bring back Len to give them more depth and size on the interior.

Dennis Schroder 

Still just 27 years old, Dennis Schroder has established himself as one of the best two-way guards in the NBA. With his scrappy defense, lights out scoring, and elite passing, Schroder will be a welcome addition to any team. On the Wizards, he and Bradley Beal could form one of the highest scoring backcourts in the league.

Between their playmaking, scoring, and tenacious perimeter defense, Beal and Schroder would be a nightmare for opponents on a nightly basis. Not to mention Schroder's ability to play combo guard would do wonders for Washington, especially when Beal needs time to rest and recuperate.

Add in his court vision and he'll thrive in the pick-and-roll game or when they run half court sets. Having Schroder as their starting point guard will also allow them to play at an even faster pace when they want to wear down opposing defenses. If Washington does end up signing Schroder, they may also wind up with their point guard of the future.