Washington Wizards Free Agency: Marcin Gortat traded for Austin Rivers
On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards traded Marcin Gortat in exchange for the Los Angeles Clippers Austin Rivers.
Fresh off the heels of the 2018 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards who have held their cards close to their vest, traded Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Austin Rivers.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN first to report:
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading guard Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizards for center Marcin Gortat, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2018
This is an unexpected move by Washington and a great one. The Wizards needed a backup for Bradley Beal and they received a combo guard with Rivers.
That is awesome, because Rivers could also flow behind John Wall at point.
Last season with the Clips, Rivers averaged 15.1 points, 1.2 steals while shooting 37 percent from three-point range.
Plus, Rivers has a little fight behind his mouth. I don’t believe the Wizards have an underground tunnel, and if they do, who would want to meet Markieff Morris on the other side?
The Wizards still need a center. That’s the move we’re all waiting for.
However, what does that mean for DeAndre Jordan? Reports are that the Mavericks are trying to go to that well again. Mavs also reportedly trying for DeMarcus Cousins.
Among the various options DeAndre Jordan has been weighing, according to league sources, is opting into the final season of his current contract (at $24.1 million) before Friday's midnight deadline to facilitate a trade -- with Dallas, sources say, among the teams interested
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 26, 2018
Gortat served his time admirably in Washington.
I did not see this coming at all. As I wrote yesterday, I believe Ernie Grunfeld is going to surprise Washington in free agency.
This is not the checkmate move that I mentioned ( I still believe that’s coming), but it positions the Wizards well on the the chessboard.
The Wizards needed a backup guard for Beal. Check.
They got a two-for-one with Rivers. Someone who’s ready to play on Day 1. Check.
Who will also play with a chip on his shoulder. Good, for when the Wizards play Houston. Just kidding.
This blows my mock pick of Donte DiVincenzo out of the water.
Ok, let me take it down a notch. But I am ecstatic, because the Wizards now have a third option that can play serious minutes. Wall and Beal will be at full capacity to close out games.
I would love to know whose idea this was, because it is brilliant. Wall and Beal have backup.
But if he gets the complaints, he also deserves the compliments — President Ernie Grunfeld.
The Wizards didn’t have to give up a pick to move Gortat’s expiring contract, and they received a lot of value in exchange.
Coach Doc Rivers didn’t trade his son (he’s no longer the GM). Rivers traded himself, when he opted into the final year of his contract on June 21.
Austin Rivers is opting in on his $12 million contract with Clippers for next season, he said.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 21, 2018
So it was a great exchange for both sides. Welcome to Washington, Mr. Rivers.
Thank you, Marcin Gortat for your five years.
We have to keep our eyes on the Mavericks, not because they want Jordan or Cousins, but because of Nerlens Noel. (Yes, we’ll see if they get Cousins).
But for now, well done Washington, well done.