The Washington Wizards have made several moves over this offseason. The front office has been aggressive in making deals and signing potential pieces to help solidify their rebuilding roster. Their newest Exhibit 10 deal could help push the young core during camp, but he also has the NBA experience to work his way into the rotation later in the season.
Wizards Sign Leaky Black To Exhibit 10 Deal Ahead Of Preseason
In 2023, North Carolina product Leaky Black went undrafted during before being signed by the Charlotte Hornets. Black played 26 games over the course of the 2023-24 season, averaging 2.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per contest. However, he has spent the vast majority of his professional career in the G League, playing 1,821 total minutes for the Capital City Go-Go and the Greensboro Swarm across two seasons.
In the G League’s Tip-Off Tournament, Black has averaged 8.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game (18 games). In the G League regular season, Black has averaged 7.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game (51 games).
One Out, One In
For the Wizards to Black, they had to cut one of their other Exhibit 10 players: Jonathan Pierre.
The 22-year-old was signed in mid-September, along with guards Sharife Cooper and Keshon Gilbert, the latter of whom was recently waived. A senior transfer for the Belmont Bruins last season, Pierre went undrafted this past summer. In 2024-25, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, making the All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Team.
Though waived by the Wizards, Pierre could end up becoming a member of their G League affiliate, the Go-Go. If he does secure a spot and spends at least 60 days on the roster, he’ll qualify for an Exhibit 10 bonus up that can be worth as much as $85,300.
Black’s Potential Role
Black hasn’t really proved he belongs in the NBA quite yet but that doesn’t mean it’s all over for him. He’s most likely not going to make D.C’s main roster. However, he could make a lasting impression on the coaching staff in training camp and preseason.
As the season progresses and Washington inevitably finds itself out of the playoff race, Black could receive a call-up. If so, he may even sneak into the rotation. Even without a call-up, he could have another shot at cracking the rotation heading into next season.
Again, the 6-foot-9 forward does have NBA experience, albeit limited. This could be beneficial to the second-youngest team in the NBA, per Bookies.com. A team that has almost no significant experience outside of veterans Khris Middleton, CJ McCollum, and Anthony Gill anyhow.
So, fans shouldn’t expect him to be playing for D.C. right away. He’ll most likely rejoin the Go-Go before stepping foot on the court for the Wizards, but he’s on their radar. Signing him to any type of deal shows the front office has some desire to keep him in the District.
The Last Word On Leaky Black
Black certainly makes an intriguing return to the NBA, even if it’s just training camp. He has an opportunity to earn some minutes as the season winds down and prove he deserves another shot on the NBA hardwood. He needs to earn it, but anything could happen in Washington this season.
Honestly, he isn’t the most notable addition to the roster from this offseason. That being said, he certainly could make a positive impact on the younger players in Washington who may find themselves in a Go-Go jersey early on.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The post Wizards Sign Go-Go Standout Ahead Of Preseason appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.