The Wizards exchange for the White Devils: I am optimistic that he will break out in the new season and may withdraw from the Kumingga battle

On July 6, the Wizards and the Rockets reached a 2-for-1 deal, giving away two second round picks, and obtained the highly potential sports forward Whitmore. This undoubtedly poured cold water on the Warriors' hope to create an active trading market for restricted free agent Kuminga.

Previously, Warriors reporter Slater reported that the Wizards have become powerful suitors for Kumingga in recent days, but they have now turned to a deal with the Rockets and got Whitmore. This also means that the Wizards may withdraw from the Kumingga battle.

As ESPN reporter Shams reported, with the Rockets' roster getting accentuated, Whitmore and his team were eager to find a new owner after two seasons. In the first round of the series against the Warriors, Whitmore only received 5 minutes of playing time in total, and with the joining of two-time Finals MVP Durant, his position in the rotation lineup became increasingly embarrassing.

Despite limited playing time, Whitmore's performance in the NBA has shown high productivity scoring ability: over the past two seasons, he averaged 10.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, played 17.4 minutes, shot 44.9% from the field and 35.7% from three-point shooting percentage.

Before the 2023 NBA draft, Whitmore's prediction ranking was firmly in the top ten, but the Warriors did not choose him at the time. The 6-foot-7 forward eventually fell to the 19th pick, with the Warriors picking Podjemsky, and the Rockets then recruited Whitmore at the 20th pick.

For the Wizards, who are in the process of rejuvenating, this deal is a bold attempt with high potential - signing a player who is likely to explode in the new season at a low price of two second round picks is totally worth the risk.

As a sports forward of the same type, Whitmore also has excellent scoring talent, and his joining may very well mean that the Wizards will give up chasing Kumingga. There are already many young players in the Wizards' lineup, and Kumingga requires an annual salary of more than $25 million. The Warriors also hope to get considerable returns by signing first and then trading, so the Wizards are unlikely to take risks for Kumingga now.

Since the free agent market opened, the Kings have been another team closely linked to Kumingga, but they are obviously unwilling to meet the Warriors' asking price - the Kings have proposed a offer of two second round picks with Saric and Devin Carter, which is considered to be insincere.