Report: Wizards naming interim GM Sheppard to permanent role

The Washington Wizards are removing the interim tag from general manager Tommy Sheppard's job title, making him the 12th GM in team history, a source told The Washington Post's Candace Buckner.

Sheppard, who's been with the Wizards organization since 2003, has served Washington's interim general manager since the April firing of longtime executive Ernie Grunfeld. The 50-year-old oversaw the team's draft and free-agency period while rumors circulated of high-profile permanent replacements such as Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri.

Washington selected Rui Hachimura in June's draft and added Isaiah Thomas in free agency.

The Wizards missed the playoffs for just the second time in six years this past season, and there is a widespread belief the team has maximized the potential of its current roster. Other teams are rumored to be considering Bradley Beal as a trade target, and it's not known if John Wall will play in 2019-20 after rupturing his Achilles tendon in February.