Wiz of Awes
Fansided

The Financial Wizardry of Grunfeld in 2018 NBA Draft

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 27: Ernie Grunfeld, GM of the Washington Wizards, announces the new contract of Bradley Beal during a press conference on July 27, 2016 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 27: Ernie Grunfeld, GM of the Washington Wizards, announces the new contract of Bradley Beal during a press conference on July 27, 2016 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans shake hands after the game on December 19, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 19: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards and DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the New Orleans Pelicans shake hands after the game on December 19, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trade down from 15, create cap space

According to Standig, the Wizards will trade down from their 15th overall pick, if another team takes on one of their five expiring contracts. Thus, freeing up cap pace to go after their intended target.

“Intended” is being use loosely, because someone who wasn’t available today, may be available tomorrow. It’s just the nature of the NBA now.

Whether one agrees or disagrees that Washington is about to “trade away” a pick, the organization is being creative.

They acutely recognize the necessity of a big. Yet, they recognize (accounting term as well) that they don’t have the cap space to get the “player” they want.

Thus, the Wizards are moving things around to get it done.

In other words, the Wizards are thinking outside of the draft box.

Looking for a solid big, and not having the money to after their “intended” target, they have found a way around that problem. By not sitting on their hands, settling for the deck that was handed to them. Instead, they are shuffling the deck.

The five players on expiring contracts (in no particular order) are Marcin Gortat, Jodie Meeks, Markieff Morris, Jason Smith and Tomas Satoransky.

However, according to Standig, Gortat may be the crown jewel.

"“Gortat’s $13.56 million salary for the 2018-19 season dwarfs the other expiring deals. The hefty figure counts among the reasons why the 34-year-old center is considered a likely trade piece. The Wizards, who also own the 44th pick, are poised to make their first draft selection in either round since 2015. The first-round selection likely offers the best opportunity for immediate help considering the team currently lacks salary cap space in next month’s free agency.”"

If they can get one of the higher salaries from the 5 contracts off the books, Washington will be in a good position to go all out for a big in free agency. If they can get more than one, then that’s gravy my friend.

I don’t have any sources, so I don’t know which talent they are trying to attract. Yet, they are using financial gymnastics to get a solid piece to fill the middle.

So who is available in free agency?

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