Looking to add more shooters to fill the void for Paul Pierce, the Washington Wizards have agreed to sign Garl Neal to a one-year, $2.1 million deal, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

The Wizards lost Pierce to the Los Angeles Clippers on opening day of free agency and have been looking to fill in his shoes ever since. On Thursday, they traded for nine-year veteran Jared Dudley, and they have now struck a deal with Neal.

Neal’s $2.1 million contract will be absorbed by the bi-annual exception. After being shipped from team to team the last couple years, Neal’s free agency stock dropped. However, being on a contender, he will get the chance to showcase his skills by playing a major role off the bench.

The Wizards will become Neal’s fifth team in six seasons, having played for the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Neal was a solid backup in San Antonio, hitting timely three-point shots for them. But when he went to the Bucks, injuries and the inability to sufficiently fit in saw him play in only 30 games before being traded to the Hornets where he played only 22 more contests during the 2013-2014 season.

Neal split the season between the Hornets and Timberwolves last season, totaling 54 games. He averaged 10.1 points and 2.4 rebounds throughout the season. In Washington, the five-year player out of Towson figures to play backup to Bradley Beal.

The Wizards are not finished making moves just yet. They are still in pursuit of David West, who has interest in joining Washington as well but is waiting on LaMarcus Aldridge’s decision since West has interest in the San Antonio Spurs, too. The Wizards could use their mid-level exception to attain West should the veteran power forward chose to sign with them. 

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Vahan Shakhpazyan
Vahan Shakhpazyan loves the NBA with a passion and has been an avid follower for 18 years. He is a UCR graduate with a BA degree in Creative Writing. The man behind the Facebook page NBA updates.