After waiving Chasson Randle on Monday, the Wizards are now once again the only team in the NBA with two open roster spots. As we noted last night, the team will have to fill the 14th spot on its roster within the next two weeks, but Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington says not to expect any sort of major move.
Instead, the Wizards could take their time to re-add a 14th player, saving a little money on their projected luxury tax bill every day they keep that roster spot open. When they do get around to signing someone, Randle could be an option to rejoin the team, since he figures to remain in the organization with the Capital City Go-Go, as Standig observes. Following Randle’s release, Scott Brooks said the young guard is “definitely an NBA player.”
Two-way player Jordan McRae has also been cited as a candidate to join the Wizards’ 15-man roster, but he’s dealing with a groin injury at the moment, a source tells Standig. McRae is expected to be available later this week.
Here’s more on the Wizards:
- Jeremy Woo of SI.com lays out the case for why trading John Wall might be in the Wizards’ best long-term interests, pointing to teams like the Heat and Suns as potential trade partners. Woo is the second national reporter to make this argument this month, and his points are similar to ones ESPN’s Zach Lowe made last week — Bradley Beal is too valuable to move him, and Otto Porter wouldn’t bring back much in return.
- Speaking of Porter, the Wizards’ highest-paid player was on the bench in the fourth quarter for a third straight game on Monday, as Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington details. Porter has been shooting well from three-point range lately, but Scott Brooks wants to see a more well-rounded game from the forward, particularly on defense, says Standig. “It’s just the way it is,” Brooks said when asked about Porter on Monday. “Some games Otto is not going to have good games. Tonight isn’t one of them. He’ll bounce back. The guy is a winner. He knows how to play.”
- If the Wizards don’t get back up to .500, they’d join an ignominious group of taxpaying teams with losing records, writes Fred Katz of The Athletic.
- Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently spoke to executives and agents to get their thoughts on how to fix the struggling Wizards.
- In case you missed it on Monday, several teams around the NBA are reportedly keeping a close eye on the Wizards to see if they make role players like Markieff Morris, Kelly Oubre, or Jeff Green available via trade.
If they could find someone to take Walls contract they should immediately. A reboot like the Clippers would do them good.
Getting Wall and signing Leonard would be great for the Clippers I just don’t see how they get Wall without moving Gilgeous-Alexander.
I think Otto will play better once the Wizards move Wall. Wall needs a team where he could be the focal point and just have players around him who can defend and shoot, Miami would be a great setting for him.
Washington should get melo
John Wall a All Star once again the So Call NBA experts are Tripping lol insane to the membrane lol
Wall is by far the best player Washington has had in soooo many years, why trade him, he is a great baller, scorer, passer & defender, with a great athletic abilities. I’d rather trade Beal or OPJ instead, or both really. Beal is a good player, even very good but in no way near the level of Wall… So my question is why all seem to hate Wall? I really enjoy very much watching him play, a real star.
I’ve always envisioned a Wall for Lillard type trade. Think Lillard would improve Washington whereas Wall needs that change of scenery. Wizards has become stale for him