The NBA offseason: a time where organizations gain new talent and have to make tough decisions regarding the talent they already have on their roster.
One of the biggest decisions the Washington Wizards had to make was regarding former Tar Heel Leaky Black's future with the organization. After playing on a two-way contract last season, the franchise needed to decide if they wanted to keep him around or let him loose to give his roster spot to someone else.
Well, that decision has been made, one that doesn't favor Black.
Leaky Black waived by the Washington Wizards
At least for the time being, it doesn't appear as if Black will be returning to Washington for another season. The organization waived the former Tar Heel, allowing him the opportunity to pursue other opportunities.
The Washington Wizards have requested waivers on forward Leaky Black.
— Wizards PR (@WizPRStats) July 1, 2026
Black appeared in 15 games (9 starts) during his time with the Wizards, averaging 7.1 points and five rebounds per-game over an average of 29 minutes per contest. He was mostly utlized when the franchise needed bodies throughout the final stretch of a disappointing 17-win season, one that helped them earn the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.
All the 103 field goal attempts by Leaky Black in the 2025-26 season for the Washington Wizards.
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) June 30, 2026
He scored 106 points on 40/103 from the field (36.8%), 19/65 from 3 (34.5%), 7/8 FT (87.5%), in 433 minutes played (15 GP).
Also on YouTube:https://t.co/12asDL8Lvt pic.twitter.com/cZ307sopqF
He also appeared in 14 games for the G League Capital City Go-Go and his numbers were definitely better. While averaging nearly 35 minutes per game, Black averaged 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds, shooting an impressive 43.5% from the field.
For the Wizards, the move to waive Black does make sense. Although Tar Heel fans would've loved to have seen him stick with the franchise at least for another season, the organization is looking to make a quick turnaround, as their current roster, led by the likes of Anthony Davis, Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa (the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft), are expected to lead the charge as Washington aims to make a strong push in the Eastern Conference immediately.
Former Tar Heel Andrew Platek is set to take the next step in his coaching career
As we all know, the NBA loves younger talent. Even though Black has a lot of basketball left in the tank and is only 27-years-old (which is considered closer to "old" in NBA standards), Washington will likely utilize the now opened two-way contract to bring in a younger player who they believe they can develop in the G League while pulling them up to the NBA squad when needed to gain some valuable experience that will help them down the road.
Black should have plenty of interest from NBA teams who might be looking to bring in a two-way player. If he's unable to secure a two-way deal, playing in the G League is still very much an option, as he's proven to be a capable player at that level and can impact the game in a variety of ways.
While his future is uncertain at the moment, Leaky Black has proven that his basketball career is far from finished. Whereever he ends up, Tar Heel fans know that he'll make a huge impact both on and off the court for the franchise that adds him to their roster.
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