The Washington Wizards have lost another player in free agency.
Veteran Jeff Green agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal to join the Utah Jazz, according to multiple reports.
Washington was reportedly interested in bringing back Green, but Utah provides the Georgetown product a better chance to chase a championship. The Jazz have made a series of moves this offseason — trading for guard Mike Conley and signing Bojan Bogdonovic — that, on paper, seriously increases their chances to contend.
The Wizards signed Green last offseason to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. They valued him for his ability to mentor younger players, and he was well-liked in the locker room, with Bradley Beal even comparing him to LeBron James at one point last season.
On the court, Green provided the Wizards with versatility. He often played at power forward, though coach Scott Brooks occasionally found success with Green as a small-ball center.
Green, drafted fifth overall in 2007, averaged 12.3 points per game last season.
The Wizards have also seen Trevor Ariza depart to join the Kings and Bobby Portis leave for the Knicks, and they sent Tomas Satoransky to the Bulls in a sign-and-trade.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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