Former #2 Draft pick to compete with Alex Sarr in Washington!

Marvin Bagley III is officially back in the American capital. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the 26-year-old big man has signed a one-year contract with the Washington Wizards, marking his return to the franchise he left in February during a trade involving Marcus Smart to Memphis.

Free agent Marvin Bagley III has agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN. Bagley returns to the Wizards after playing in Washington for a year (2024-25) and then being traded to Memphis at the February deadline. pic.twitter.com/AkBE7745Uc

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2025

An up-and-down journey since the 2018 Draft

Bagley’s career perfectly illustrates the ups and downs of an NBA career. Selected 2nd overall by Sacramento in 2018, just ahead of players like Luka Dončić, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Trae Young, he never managed to live up to expectations. After four mixed seasons with the Kings (averaging 13.5 points and 7.4 rebounds), then three seasons in Detroit (12 points and 5.9 rebounds), Bagley struggles to find his place in modern basketball.

His main issue lies in the lack of a defined position. With only 0.6 blocks per game in his career, he can’t claim to be a rim protector, while his 29% three-point shooting limits his impact as a modern power forward. This 2024-2025 season, he only averaged 4.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 8.5 minutes between Washington and Memphis.

A bounce-back opportunity in the capital

Despite these difficulties, the Wizards believe in his potential. During his first stint in Washington, Bagley played 46 games averaging 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 17 minutes. His return aligns with strengthening the frontcourt, where he can play both power forward and center alongside Alex Sarr and Richaun Holmes.

Washington has also brought back Tristan Vukcevic on a two-way contract, with the 22-year-old Serbian averaging 9.4 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. These moves allow the Wizards to rebalance a roster that leans heavily toward perimeter players and protect against any lack of depth in the paint.

For Bagley, this one-year contract represents a new chance to prove his worth in a league where his athletic profile and rebounding ability can still make a difference.