Days before their season opener, the Washington Wizards traded guard Jodie Meeks and a future second-round pick Monday to the Milwaukee Bucks for a future second-round pick.
The move provides salary relief for the Wizards, who were one of four teams to pay the NBA’s luxury tax for this past season. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Washington trimmed just over $7 million in its next tax bill with the deal.
The Wizards are still on pace to be repeat offenders in the luxury tax, barring further moves.
Meeks, 31, played just one season with the Wizards. He averaged 6.3 points in 14.5 minutes per game in 77 games.
Before the start of the playoffs, Meeks was suspended 25 games for violating the league’s anti-drug program — a ban which has carried over to the start of this upcoming season. Meeks is appealing his suspension.
Washington signed Meeks to a two-year deal in July 2017, giving him a player option for the second season.
The Bucks, per multiple reports, are expected to waive Meeks.
The specific years for the future second-round picks, meanwhile, were not disclosed.
The Wizards open their season Thursday against the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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