After winning their division and taking the Celtics to the brink in a second-round series last year, the Wizards entered this season among the favorites in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they settled for an eighth seed and a first-round elimination.
It appeared Washington might miss the playoffs altogether when John Wall underwent knee surgery at the end of January. However, the Wizards managed a 15-12 record in his absence, sparking whispers that the team was better without him because of better ball movement.
Backcourt mate Bradley Beal, who has been beset by injury problems in the past, played all 82 games for the first time. He emerged as a team leader in Wall’s absence, averaging 22.6 points per game and posting career-best marks in rebounds (4.4 per game) and assists (4.5).
Washington has its All-Star backcourt locked up for the foreseeable future, but at a very expensive price. Wall will make nearly $19.2MM next season, then will start enjoying the benefits of a supermax extension that pays him $170MM over four years. Beal is owed nearly $81.3MM over the next three seasons.
With Otto Porter also getting a rich new extension last summer, the Wizards have extreme cap concerns over the next three years. They are already nearly $15MM over next season’s cap without counting possible player options for Jason Smith ($5.45MM) and Jodie Meeks ($3.45MM).
Operating so close to the luxury tax, the Wizards are limited in their ability to shake up the roster without a major trade. We’re asking our readers if they think it’s time to consider moving Wall or Beal as a potential cap solution. Please vote in our poll and give us your opinion on how Washington should handle the offseason.
Trade Rumors app users, click here to vote.
Why would they ever trade one of them
That makes no sense
Trade Porter to New Orleans for Cousins in a sign and trade
Last week I suggested that J. Wall doesn’t hav the personality 2 B
Last week I suggested that J. Wall doesn’t hav the personality 2 B Team Leader. Not a knock on him + giving him role 2 boost confidence just couldn’t work. I took ovr Manager spot on my softball team as no othrs willing. Thot I was a caring + supportive prsn. Wrong! Got upset + being a perfectionist I didn’t do very well. I would trade Wall 2 a team where he could fit well and not expected 2 hav pressure of Team Leader. Beal has personality 2 fill role 4 WIZ.
Trade 4 = status + better fit 4 P.G.
Brooks wasn’t a good choice 4 THIS Teams’ personality.
Mahinmi was The Worst move ever. Gortat’s stats R better + if I were him I would’ve been offended + wud like 2 go where I feel wanted.
Finally joining those who say time 4 Grunfeld 2 GO!
Brooks is good Coach – Poor fit.
Think Porter, Oubre, Morris, Gortat and Beal shud remain w new P.G.. I like these guys + worked well 2gether last year.
Just my thots. Say BYE 2 Grunfeld Bfor Do Anything!
Why would they trade one of them
That makes no sense
Trade Porter to New Orleans in a sign and trade
That’s funny.
A trade is not a viable option. Ernie’s fault that IAN MAHINMI IS BEING PAID $16M a year to be a bad backup and failing to ever find adequate depth.
We’ll take him in Portland if you guys take Evan Turner
I’d move Gortat and his contract to Orlando(Gortat said he wants to go back there) with a 1st to save money.
Maybe find out Porters return date first lol.
Wall for Lillard or Beal for McCollum. Like who cares might as well try something different for both teams at this point.
If they could find a way to get Kawhi, they’d be a legit contender in the east.
Maybe Porter, Oubre, and like two 1st round picks or something