Before the season started, Washington Wizards felt like they could finally make a step forward and establish themselves as Eastern Conference contenders. Instead, they find themselves far away from the playoff spot with a 5-11 record and little hope that things could get better. This is why, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Wizards’ front office is willing to listen to trade offers and even their All-Star backcourt John Wall and Bradley Beal are not safe.
Wojnarowski reports that Washington would prefer to continue to build around Wall and Beal as their key players, but in case a right offer comes their way, they would be willing to part ways with one or both of the players.
John Wall is currently averaging 20.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game while Bradley Beal is at 21.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Although these are respectable stat lines, the duo’s chemistry on the court is worse than ever which would explain the organization’s willingness to move in a different direction.
Washington Wizards were trying to reshape their roster for some time now, but the organization was unwilling to include Wall and Beal in any trade talks. Wizards were interested in adding a third star and got involved in the race for Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, but they couldn’t pull off the trade due to the lack of trade assets.
Washington would prefer to deal Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre, but other NBA teams showed a lack of interest in the duo. Trading Porter proved to be especially challenging, due to the fact that his performance doesn’t match his three years, $81 million contract.
