What’s next for the Washington Wizards after underwhelming Beal deal?

What is in store for the stars already on the Washington Wizards’ roster?

There have been rumors all season long involving trade scenarios built around both Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma. This trade just adds fuel to the fire.

Both stars have player options for the 2023-’24 NBA season and while Kuzma is heavily expected to opt out, Porzingis could realistically go either way. He is an injury prone big man who is coming off of the one healthy season he’s had since becoming a heavy usage player. This means he could opt to decline his $36 million option in favor of signing a longer contract closer to $25-30 million per year.

Porzingis could be involved in a sign and trade, or he could be traded straight up for slightly more value should he opt into his option. Either way, he should be traded for youth or draft capital.

Kuzma on the other hand, would need to be involved in a sign and trade if the Wizards can convince him to agree. This is the trade where they are the most likely to receive true draft assets as he can only sign with teams who have the money to sign him so the need to match contracts no longer exists. Teams all around the league are expected to be interested in the former champion, making his trade value, even in this type of scenario, much higher.

What is the plan with the other vets on the Washington Wizards?

The Wizards also have Monte Morris, Delon Wright, and Anthony Gill under contract for next season. While they may not have the highest trade value in the league, the Wizards could find a way to flip them for something to aid in the rebuilding process.

Morris and Wright are both players who could easily score the Wizards a mid-first-round pick or two from teams like the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Golden State Warriors. They are both elite bench players at the point guard position and could be a huge addition to a team looking to contend.

Anthony Gill, however, could probably land the Wizards a second-round pick or two. He could be a reserve player for a playoff team to serve as injury insurance, but he isn’t likely to crack the rotation anywhere he goes.

The disappointment in the return package for Bradley Beal is understandable, but the Washington Wizards do have options going forward. The plan forward has been made clear, now it’s time to sit back and watch it all unfold.