After the NBA trade moratorium was lifted at the beginning of the week, general managers began making their first calls to rival executives since the February 6 trade deadline. Teams wasted no time in exercising their itchy trigger fingers. A flurry of players and draft picks are already on the move to new cities. The Washington Wizards, however, have flown under the radar in these transactions.
Although they are pervasive in the league rumor mill, the gossip surrounds possible destinations for Bradley Beal. In a league defined by player movement, Beal has been the belle of the ball in trade scenarios for contenders as well as jersey photoshop artists on Instagram. Wizards GM Tommy Shepherd has maintained his stance that the all-star guard is not available for acquisition.
Is Wizards Drama Inevitable?
On Tuesday, Chris Miller of NBC Sports reported that according to inside sources Beal wants to see “an improved roster around him to challenge for a playoff spot.” The report coincides with a report by Shams Charania of The Athletic that Washington has discussed trade scenarios with the Houston Rockets. A possible deal would involve a swap of all-star guards, John Wall and Russell Westbrook. It appears that Washington is appeasing Beal’s request.
The Rockets and Wizards have discussed a deal centered on Russell Westbrook for John Wall, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. No traction yet, Rockets are seeking more assets.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2020
The Wizards finished last season 25-47 and over seven games out of the eight seed in the Eastern Conference. Beal averaged career-highs in scoring (30.5 points) and assists (6.2), yet became the first player to average those totals and miss both an all-star game and all-NBA selection. He missed out on these honors in large part because of his team’s poor performance. There are reasons for optimism, however, as Wall is close to returning to the court after tearing his Achilles in February 2019. The front office has a mid-level and trade exception at their disposal this off-season.
What’s At Stake?
Still, Washington has not drawn a free-agent of notoriety since Paul Pierce in 2014. Their failed courtships of marquee free agents have been well documented. Kevin Durant didn’t entertain them with a meeting! Shepherd has an uphill battle to bring the franchise back to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. This upcoming race for eight playoff seeds should be more competitive than last season. If he fails to deliver Beal an improved roster, and if Wall disappoints in his arrival, things could get ugly in the Nation’s Capital.
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