Washington Wizards: 4 Names to Keep an Eye on Ahead of Trade Season
Go ‘Big’ or Go Home
One big man that has already been talked about in a potential trade is Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams.
Sean Deveney reported back in October that both the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics had interest in Adams, but the “asking price was too high.” Adams is averaging 10.4 points, 9.0 rebounds, and a career-high 2.8 assists this season.
Considering the team’s trajectory, there shouldn’t be a price that’s too high for a big-man on a deal that extends past this season. Adams’ contract does.
In exchange for Adams, the Wizards could appeal to the Thunder’s current state of rebuild by offering up Thomas Bryant and a first-round pick, along with Ian Mahinmi’s expiring salary.
Bryant is on a cheap three-year deal worth just $25-million. While his three-point shooting has seen a dive this year (from 33 to 29 percent), he’s shown the potential to be a threat along the perimeter. And for big men, that’s the future for their position.
It was first speculated that the Thunder would maintain their current roster, in aims of making the playoffs for the first time without Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook. But they’re currently 8-12, and 10th in the West. The trade rumors are circling Oklahoma City like vultures over a dead animal carcass.
Eventually, something’s got to give.
You don’t acquire the number of draft picks the Thunder obtained this summer with aims of contending. And both sides would benefit from a deal with these potential parameters.
Washington gets a playoff-ready big man who’ll be signed on through at least Wall’s first year back, and the Thunder continue to stockpile picks and young talent.