The Washington Wizards fell short of a playoff appearance once again this season, but it didn't stop the postseason from shaping up how things could unfold for the rebuilding squad.
Joel Embiid's return to play saved the Philadelphia 76ers from a first-round disaster, and it also exploited a major weakness for the Boston Celtics that could be solved by an offseason trade with the Wizards.
There's no denying that things are up in the air with Anthony Davis as the offseason looms.
NBA Insiders like Chris Haynes are reporting that it wouldn't be a shock to see AD traded before next season, while fans are holding on to hope that the big man may be willing to buy into what the team is building after all.
Regardless of what happens, it's clear that Washington needs to keep all options open, especially after the viral comments from Davis suggested there's not much hope that his fit in D.C can help him accomplish his modest career goals.
Celtics could be an ideal fit for Anthony Davis
The Celtics' interest in Davis runs all the way back to his early days at the end of his tenure with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Boston was in heavy pursuit of the versatile forward before the Los Angeles Lakers eventually landed the two-way star.
Obviously, the pursuit from the C's at the time came under the leadership of previous President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, but it's important to note there were brief conversations between the Celtics and Lakers about a deal that would've sent Davis to Beantown before he was dealt to the Dallas Mavericks in a stunner for Luka Doncic.
It seemed that the ship may have sailed after Boston found success with their committee frontcourt approach this season, especially when Neemias Queta emerged this season.
Nonetheless, after Queta proved unreliable in the postseason due to his fouling troubles and the fact that Embiid proved to be an absolute mismatch for the Celtics frontcourt, Brad Stevens could now find himself back in the market for a big man trade.
Wizards don't prefer to move AD this soon
General manager Will Dawkins made it clear that the team traded for Davis with the plans to keep him around for the future.
Davis will ultimately be the deciding factor of how long he stays in the DMV, but if his camp catches wind of contenders gauging interest in his availability, it wouldn't be a shock to see him push for a trade.
Washington will have to determine if any return is worth flipping him months after sending out assets to land the 33-year-old star, and if not, they may be forced to play hardball.
Regardless, Embiid and the Sixers could be to thank for the Wizards finding another potential suitor for Davis, especially after the Celtics seemingly no longer seemed like a fit.
Add us as a preferred source on Google