Report: Wizards sign Marvin Bagley III

Bagley spent half of 2024-25 with Washington before being traded to Memphis at the deadline

The Washington Wizards have signed free agent center Marvin Bagley III to a one-year contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Bagley, 26, spent half of the 2024-25 season with Washington before being traded to Memphis at February’s trade deadline in a package that brought Marcus Smart and the No. 18 pick to Washington.

The Wizards first acquired Bagley III in January 2024 from the Detroit Pistons. Bagley III spent the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign in D.C. before playing 19 games for Washington in 2024-25.

The former No. 2 overall pick averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 43 appearances with the Wizards, proving himself as a serviceable backup center behind Washington’s most-recent No. 2 pick, Alex Sarr.

After signing 7-footer Tristan Vukcevic to a two-way deal on Thursday, Washington reunites with Bagley III to bolster their front-court depth, which was a concern among the Wizards fanbase entering the offseason.

With Sarr the likely starter at center, coupled with the Vukcevic and Bagley III signings, Richaun Holmes, who only has $250k guaranteed on his deal for the 2025-26 season, becomes a possible waive candidate.

The Wizards roster sits at 18 standard NBA contracts — teams are allowed 15 by opening night — which means more moves are necessary.

With Bagley III returning to Washington, here’s an updated look at that February trade:

Wizards receive:

• No. 18 pick —> Will Riley (No. 21 pick), Jamir Watkins (No. 43 pick), 2031 and 2032 second-round picks
• Marcus Smart ($21.5 million expiring contract for 2025-26 season)
• Colby Jones —> Dillon Jones, 2029 second-round pick (via Houston)
• Alex Len (Waived)

Wizards send out:

• 2025 second-round pick
• Johnny Davis
• Marvin Bagley III

With Bagley III back in Washington, that trade, which already looked like a win, becomes even better.