NBA Rumors: Washington Wizards remain confident in re-signing Marcin Gorat

Apr 25, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) reacts on the court in the final seconds of the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Bulls won 100-97. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2013-2014 season was and outstanding campaign for the Washington Wizards.

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After years of futility, the Wizards posted a record of 44-38 and returned to the postseason. In the playoffs, they were pitted against the Chicago Bulls in a matchup few gave them much of a chance of winning. The Wizards proved everyone wrong, winning the series in five games, including a perfect 3-0 record in Chicago, to advance to the second round. There, they met the Indiana Pacers, who took down the Wizards in six games.

The Wizards would like to continue to improve by adding a few minor pieces, but first must address their two key free agents. Starting center Marcin Gortat and starting small forward Trevor Ariza are both set to become free agents. Although the team is clearly led by the back court of All-Star point guard John Wall and shooting guard Bradley, their balanced starting five, which also includes big man Nene, is the biggest reason for their success, meaning they should do what it takes to keep them together.

Gortat appears to be the priority over Ariza and the Wizards even traveled to his native home of Poland to meet with him.

According to Shams Charania of RealGM, the Wizards have returned from Poland and remain confident they will re-sign Gortat.

Wizards officials returned today from trip to Poland to support free agent Marcin Gortat in camps, and remain confident in re-signing him.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2014

Gortat averaged 13.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 54.2% from the field and 68.6% from the charity stripe this season.

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