top of page
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Summary
Bertans quietly had a great shooting season in '18-'19, hitting 44% on over four threes per game in San Antonio. After being traded to Washington, Bertans was no longer quiet, breaking out into one of the most deadly shooters in the league, hitting 43% from three on just under eight attempts per game. His size at 6'10" allows him to shoot over smaller defenders with ease, and his range has expanded over the course of his career.
At 27 years old, this will likely be Bertans's one chance at a big contract, so he will certainly be looking to cash in on a great season. Despite struggles on defense - he is not quite strong enough to defend bigs, and not quick enough to defend wings - Bertans's shooting ability provides real value.
Cap Considerations
Bertans will be an unrestricted free agent with a $13.3 million cap hold and full Bird rights. Since the Wizards will likely be operating over the salary cap, they will retain Bertans's Bird rights, and have no restrictions on re-signing him.
As Bertans will demand a starting salary of more than the full $9.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Bertans and an over-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.
Potential Teams: Wizards, Hawks, Suns, Pelicans, Pistons
Predicted Contract: 3-year, $50 million with the Wizards
Actual Contract: 5-year, $80 million (5th year partially-guaranteed) with the Wizards.
​
Bertans got similar per-year money compared to what I expected, but I did not see a 5-year contract coming. The Wizards couldn't fully frontload his contract because it would have put them into the luxury tax, but the Wizards were smart to at least make it flat rather than ascending, giving Bertans a better chance of playing at the level of his contract as he ages.
Last updated: 12/31/2020
bottom of page