Michael Winger Selected For Wizards Head Of Basketball Operation

May 25, 2026

This article was last updated by Rovik Parajuli on May 25, 2026

Michael Winger, the former general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been selected for the position of Washington Wizards Head Of Basketball Operations.

He was the second known candidate to meet with Washington, along with New Orleans GM Trajan Langdon. 

On April 19, Ted Leonsis, the principal owner and Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO of the Washington Wizards dismissed Tommy Sheppard from his positions as president and general manager of the team.

Leonsis made a clear indication to hire someone from outside the organization to fill the role.

Michael Winger Smiling (Source: Sports Illustrated)

The search for Sheppard’s replacement has been primarily led by ownership, with intake from key advisors, including John Thompson III, who serves as the team’s vice president of player development and engagement.

The hiring of Michael signifies a shift in Leonsis’ search process to a new stage.

Michael Winger: The Former GM Of LA Clippers 

On August 23, 2017, the Clippers appointed Winger as their general manager.

In April 2019, the Timberwolves expressed interest in interviewing Winger for the position of president of basketball operations, but he declined the opportunity.

Winger played a key role in building a championship-caliber roster for the Clippers in July 2019. This included the signing of and the trade for .

Since their arrival, the team has reached one Western Conference Finals and maintained an above .500 winning record in each season under his leadership.

During the 2026 trade deadline, Michael was instrumental in orchestrating a trade for

Additionally, he successfully acquired after the Pistons bought out his contract.

Michael Winger Has Worked With The Cavaliers And Thunder 

After completing law school, joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005 as the director of basketball operations and team counsel.

During his time there, the Cavaliers achieved significant success, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals twice. In 2007, they emerged victorious in one of those series, earning a spot in the NBA Finals.

In 2010, Winger transitioned to the role of assistant general manager and team counsel for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

During his tenure with the Thunder, the team experienced notable success, reaching the Western Conference Finals on four occasions. Their impressive playoff runs resulted in an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2012.

Michael has held various responsibilities, including player selection during the draft, executing trades, and managing the retention and signing of existing players and free agents.

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Chanda Rai

Chanda Rai is a dedicated writer with a keen interest in uncovering the stories behind the athletes and events that shape the sports world. Her articles offer readers a comprehensive look at the people, trends, and developments that define the world of sports.

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