TyTy Washington clears waivers, now a free agent

The curious case of TyTy Washington continues, as the former Kentucky standout is now an unrestricted free agent less than 14 months after being drafted as a first-round pick.

Washington was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with pick No. 29 in the 2022 NBA Draft and immediately sent to the Houston Rockets in a five-team deal. After appearing in 31 games with the Rockets and 18 with the franchise’s G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks on July 8.

Just four days later, the Hawks rerouted the former Wildcat to the Thunder, joining the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace in Oklahoma City. Washington’s time with the franchise would be short-lived, though, as the Thunder decided to waive him on August 18. It was one of four roster cuts the franchise has to make ahead of the regular season, with Usman Garuba later waived to bring that number down to two.

Washington has since cleared waivers, leaving OKC on the hook for $2.3 million in dead money while the former Wildcat is officially free to sign with the franchise of his choosing. It’s undoubtedly a bizarre string of moves for the former first-rounder now left without a job going into the second season of his career.

Proving himself as a rookie

On the court, Washington has been exactly what you’d hope for in a late first-round pick playing in his rookie season. With the Rockets, he averaged 4.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 14.0 minutes per contest. His real production came in the G League, though, averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 assists and 4.6 rebounds per contest, highlighted by a 53-point scoring explosion in January.

He was brought in to be a development guy for a struggling Houston franchise. Two trades and one release later, he’s now looking for a job.

Washington was terrific in his lone season at Kentucky, named a Jerry West Award semifinalist while also earning All-SEC Freshman Team and Second Team All-SEC honors. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds per contest — the only freshman in the country to hit those marks while also shooting at least 45% from the field and 35% from three.

Prior to injury, Washington was a clear lottery pick with unlimited scoring potential. And he’s shown he’s more than capable of being that player in the NBA.

Again, you don’t drop 53 points in a game at any level if you can’t play.

Minor setback for a major comeback. The next team to pick up the former Wildcat will be happy they did.