A Change of Pace
Both the Wizards and Thunder are approaching new eras for their respective franchises.
In Oklahoma City, they’ve nearly embraced a full rebuild, after acquiring a small fortune in first-round picks by letting go of Westbrook and George. They also acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in return, who’s no doubt on track to be the next face of the franchise after receiving All-Rookie First Team honors last season with the Clippers.
But in Washington, things are just slightly more complicated. The Wizards are teetering, albeit cautiously, on a very thin line. The line between contention and a full-on reset. With All-Star point guard John Wall out until at least 2020, Bradley Beal is seemingly stranded in Washington.
Potential Package
Per Sean Deveney of heavy.com, the Thunder are indeed seeking to trade away their franchise big man and would prefer a young player, salary relief, and draft pick in return.
In Washington, they may find just that. A package resembling Thomas Bryant, Ian Mahinmi’s expiring contract, and a future first-round pick could potentially entice Oklahoma’s front office.
This deal would provide Oklahoma with a promising young center on a team-friendly deal, cap relief in the form of Mahinmi’s $18-million expiring, and another first-round pick moving forward.
Deveney also mentions the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, and Boston Celtics as potential suitors. But in terms of what they have to offer, Washington may have the best deal.
It’s doubtful Boston would offer up either or Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, and the same goes for Dallas and Luka Doncic. Don’t expect to see Sacramento parting way with De’Aaron Fox, either.