The Washington Wizards have committed a lot of money to their all-star backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal. The individual stats do not look so bad on the surface, but whatever they are doing on the court is not resulting in wins. The results so far this year are an underwhelming 5-11. What is the next step for the Wizards?
The Washington Wizards have big decisions to make
In the past, the Wizards have been incredibly reluctant to include Wall or Beal in any trade discussions. The goal was to build a contender around their backcourt. All appeared to be heading in the right direction in the 2016-17 season when the Wizards won 49 games and landed the four seed in the east. Since then things have been heading downhill and have gotten ugly so far this year. Their play has impacted the trade value of players like Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre. As per Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards are open to trading Wall or Beal.
Story on ESPN: Wizards signaling a willingness to consider trade overtures on entire roster, including All-Star guards John Wall and Bradley Beal. https://t.co/LM7PiQvweB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 19, 2018
The ideal scenario, although unlikely is for the Wizards is to add a third star somehow to play alongside their current backcourt. Barring a crazy deal being pulled off by GM Ernie Grunfeld the possibility of Beal or Wall being moved is looking more and more likely.
Should the Wizards be open to trading Wall or Beal
Things seem to be rolling downhill and rolling fast for the Wizards. While they may be struggling, to think they would end up with a top seven draft pick with so much talent on the roster is probably doubtful. Adding an impact free agent is not an option due to the huge contracts Grunfeld doled out to Wall, Beal, and Porter. The only way to change things up is via trade. Wall and Beal are all-star level players locked into contracts that can help teams that are playoff bound or on the bubble. Grunfeld should look for young players and/or draft picks to reshape his roster. Plus, trading some of the talent away will improve their draft pick in the 2019 draft.
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