{"id":89526,"date":"2024-08-09T11:06:21","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T15:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=89526"},"modified":"2024-08-09T11:06:40","modified_gmt":"2024-08-09T15:06:40","slug":"wizards-wary-of-space-cadet-backcourt-pairing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/08\/09\/wizards-wary-of-space-cadet-backcourt-pairing\/","title":{"rendered":"Wizards Wary of “Space Cadet” Backcourt Pairing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington Wizards have had an active offseason, both in the draft and free agency. During the draft, they finished the night with three first-round picks and two in the lottery: Alex Sarr<\/a> (#2), Carlton Carrington<\/a> (#14), and Kyshawn George<\/a> (#26). They also traded Deni Avdija<\/a> to Portland for Malcolm Brogdon<\/a> and the rights to Carrington. Furthermore, they signed veteran big man<\/a> Jonas Valanciunas<\/a> during free agency. These are good moves, considering that the Wizards are still in a rebuilding stage. However, recent news indicates they had an offer from Los Angeles to acquire a high-profile guard, only for the team to express minimal interest.<\/p>\n

Wizards Wary of “Space Cadet” Backcourt Pairing<\/h2>\n

Anthony Irwin’s Trade Intel<\/h3>\n

According to a report from Anthony Irwin, who works for Lakers Daily, the Wizards are not interested in All-Star guard D’Angelo Russell<\/a>, who has emerged as a top trade target from the Los Angeles Lakers. He averaged 18.0 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 41.5% from three. These are stellar numbers that made him almost too good to trade at the deadline.<\/p>\n

But, his production in the playoffs seriously dropped, which has some questioning his value. In the Lakers first-round exit against the Denver Nuggets, Russell averaged 14.2 points and 4.2 assists while shooting 31.8% from three. With him having one year left on his deal after opting into his player option, it makes sense for the Lakers to try and trade him. Unfortunately, the response from the league indicates they value Russell more highly than most.<\/p>\n

In his article for Lakers Daily<\/a>, this is what Irwin said about Russell:<\/p>\n

Portland has no interest in Russell, according to sources close to that situation. League sources also say Washington is wary of pairing Russell with fellow space cadet Jordan Poole<\/a>. Toronto and Brooklyn are more open to acquiring the nine-year veteran, but more for his expiring contract than for what he\u2019d do on the court.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Yikes. Irwin also went on to say why Russell is in such a complicated trade situation: at 29 years old, he’s too good for a tanking team, as he’ll win them too many games in the regular season. However, as shown by his playoff performances, he’s not impactful in that part of the season to help a team that’s contending for a championship.<\/p>\n

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Report: Wizards \u2018wary\u2019 of pairing D\u2019Angelo Russell with \u2018fellow space cadet Jordan Poole\u2019https:\/\/t.co\/3Of4jnh244<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 6, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n