Washington Wizards Monday Mailbag: Imagining a World Where Wittman Is Still Coach, Melo Returns Home, and Gortat is Traded

Frankie, aka Fammam, no new news about Wall’s designation. As mentioned previously, though, this does seem entirely possible to be completed this summer. The deal would extend Wall’s contract, meaning that he’d still be on his current salary for the next two summers, but would help to calm fans worried that he could leave the team for another franchise in the near future.

Wall mentioned earlier this offseason that he want’s to see “the big picture” before signing the extension, and it’s unclear what Grunfeld and Leonsis have been able to show him thus far.

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Really, there’s not much they can show him right now. The season officially ended one week ago, and the draft is not until Thursday. It’s possible they’ve broached the topic of trading for Paul George, who has spent previous offseasons working with Wall in LA. Just today, David Aldridge mentioned that the Wizards have explored the idea of adding George to the core of Wall and Beal.

Just knowing that the team is aggressively searching for a third star, will be big in convincing Wall to stay. The 2017 NBA Finals showed pretty assuredly, that it takes at least three All-Star players to win a championship in today’s league, and that’s Wall’s ultimate goal.

I think Wall signs the designation some time in July or August after Otto re-signs. He’s in no rush. Still, signing the deal would assure Wall a 4 years/$168m contract, with $37.5m in 19-20.

If he didn’t want to sign the extension, he’d have a chance to re-sign a 5-year deal when his contract comes up in two season.

Once he signs his extension this summer, he can get back to recruiting DeMarcus.

As far as trades go, I can see the team making a small move, similar to the one that brought Trey Burke to the team last year. Nothing more than that though, as there are not many assets to be traded.

The team will be looking for backup point guards, bench scorers, and young big men, and there are a decent amount of options available in free agency, including Ian Clark, Patty Mills, Tyreke Evans, and Ben McLemore.