Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly has been involved in contract extension negotiations, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. That said, nothing was finalized. Here is the snippet:
The Stein Line has learned that the Wizards and Bilal Coulibaly did engage in some 11th-hour discussions last Monday. No deal was ultimately reached, meaning Coulibaly is also headed for restricted free agency next summer, but the late-stage talks leave an impression that Washington still sees the formerNo.
7 overall pick as part of its future.
Coulibaly is averaging 8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game so far in the 2026-27 NBA season. He has played for Washington since the 2023-24 season.
I’m not surprised that the Wizards would make a good-faith attempt to keep Coulibaly beyond this season for his second NBA contract before he enters restricted free agency. However, though Coulibaly may be in Washington’s plans, his position overlaps AJ Dybantsa’s so it’s likely that he will be coming off the bench sooner rather than later. Furthermore, Coulibaly hasn’t been a strong presence for Washington on offense during any of his three previous seasons.
Do you think Coulibaly should return to the Wizards next season? If so, how do you envision his role? If you believe he shouldn’t return, does it make sense to trade him before the deadline? Let us know in the comments below.
