Davis Bertans is enjoying a fantastic break-out year for the Washington Wizards. He’s doubled his production from last season and has become one of the league’s top shooters. Originally traded to the Wizards by the San Antonio Spurs, the Latvian native is attracting the attention of several teams. According to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington, the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers are all eyeing the sharpshooter.
Davis Bertans Trade Rumors
Break-out Season
Bertans was a solid spark plug off the bench for the Spurs last season. He averaged nearly eight points per game on a 45-42-86 shooting split. The Spurs sent him over to the Wizards to make room for Marcus Morris, who eventually opted to sign with the New York Knicks.
This year has been a complete anomaly for Bertans. He’s currently averaging over 15 points per game, while also bringing down five rebounds. His shooting splits are even better too, sitting at 45-43-89. His three-point shooting is what’s most impressive, as he’s attempting 8.6 per game. His minutes rose from 22 a game to 30 this year, but his offensive production has doubled.
The Wizards, however, have not been great. Although they have some notable wins to their name, they’re currently sitting at a 12-24 record, four-and-a-half games outside of a playoff spot. They’ve been extremely exciting offensively, however, and a lot of this is due to Bertans’ exciting production alongside star Bradley Beal.
Bertans, however, is on a contract year, which may explain his break-out. If this kind of production continues, he’d most likely command a yearly salary in the double digits. If the Wizards aren’t willing to pay him that, another team will, so they might find it necessary to trade him in return for a decent haul instead of losing him for nothing.
Best Fits
After playing with the Spurs his first three seasons, Bertans is used to the playoffs. With this being said, it wouldn’t be surprising if he’d prefer a move to a contender. That effectively takes out the Hawks in the aforementioned list of teams.
The Celtics need front-court depth, but they’re better suited looking for a physical center. Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward also occupy Bertans’ preferred positions. This leaves the Nuggets, Lakers, and 76ers as solid options.
Paul Millsap has been solid for the Nuggets this season, but he’s not getting any younger. Age may catch up to him after a long season come playoff time, and Bertans would be the ideal replacement. The Nuggets have plenty of offensive potential that Bertans would just add to, and they have several young players that may be enticing in a trade for the Wizards.
The Lakers lead the West, and it seems like every player wants a chance to play with LeBron James. Their bench, however, is somewhat mediocre and they might be looking for an offensive flamethrower like Bertans. If they deal Kyle Kuzma for a guard/creator, they’ll be looking for a sweet-shooting forward.
Al Horford starts at power forward for the 76ers, but age is catching up to him. In addition, the team struggles shooting from range. Bertans would be an excellent addition. The 76ers have also struggled versus winning teams, but Bertans would solidify their status as a contender.
Bertans is looking like the ideal offensive spark plug every championship team needs, and rumors are heating up.
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