The Washington Wizards acquired both Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker from the Chicago Bulls in the hopes that they could potentially make a run at a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
However, the injury to John Wall was simply too much to overcome, and the Wizards stumbled to a 32-50 record and to 10th place in the conference.
With Portis and Parker on expiring deals and officially becoming free agents, the Wizards have told both players that they are currently exploring other options for the roster, according to Chase Hughes Of NBC Sports Washington:
Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker are both operating at the start of the free agency with the expectation they will not be returning to the Wizards, @NBCSWashington has learned. Wizards have given them the impression they are focusing on other players.
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) June 30, 2019
The Wizards declined their team option on Parker, while Portis will be a restricted free agent. That said, it does not appear that Washington are intent on matching a potential offer sheet.
Portis had his finest season as a pro this past year, averaging 14.2 points and 8.1 rebounds while shooting close to 40 percent from deep. However, he also missed 32 games and still struggled immensely on the defensive side of the ball, which can also be said for Parker.
The Bulls had hoped Parker would be a proven scorer more akin to the guy that averaged over 20 points per game during the 2016-17 season. Instead, Parker proved incapable of adequately stretching the floor and immediately fell out of favor with interim head coach Jim Boylen for his defensive deficiencies.
Although he was more efficient with the Wizards, he did not start a single game in Washington and merely looked to be a stopgap piece.
The Wizards will now look in other directions as they hope to return to the playoffs next year.
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