The Washington Wizards have officially signed 25-year-old forward Saddiq Bey to a three-year, $20 million deal in their latest move in free agency. This comes after their acquisition of veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal to mentor rookie Alex Sarr.
Bey, who suffered an ACL tear midway through the last season, has shown promise on the court, averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds in 63 games for the Hawks. Despite the setback, the Wizards believe Bey is a perfect fit for their team.
The forward has ties to the DC area, having attended Sidwell Friends before heading to Villanova. His familiarity with the city and its surroundings should make the transition smooth for him. The Wizards also provide the perfect environment for Bey to recover quietly and prepare for his return to the court.
With the team not expected to make major waves this season, Bey can work on his game without the pressure of high expectations. At 25, he is entering the prime of his career and can grow alongside the young Wizards core. With depth lacking at the forward position, Bey is set to make an immediate impact once he is back to full health.
In a statement regarding the signing, Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. expressed his excitement about adding Bey to the roster. “Saddiq is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him. We believe he will thrive in our system and make a significant contribution to our team,” Unseld Jr. said.
Bey himself is looking forward to the opportunity to join the Wizards and contribute to their success. “I am grateful for the chance to play for my hometown team and help them achieve their goals. I can’t wait to get back on the court and show what I can do,” Bey commented.
Overall, the Wizards signing of Saddiq Bey looks to be a smart move that aligns with their long-term goals and aspirations for the future. With Bey’s talent and potential, he could play a pivotal role in the team’s success in the seasons to come.
