Wizards rookie forward Rui Hachimura is close to returning from the groin injury that he suffered on December 16, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington relays. Hachimura required a surgical procedure after getting accidentally kicked by teammate, Isaac Bonga. He is officially listed as questionable to play on Saturday. “Rui has a great chance of coming back (tomorrow) night,” head coach Scott Brooks said. Hachimura will play no more than 20 minutes if he suits up on Saturday, The Athletic’s Fred Katz tweets.
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Second-year Wizards power forward Moritz Wagner is expected to return sometime next week from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since December 10, Hughes writes in another piece. Wagner and Hachimura were both selected to the Rising Stars game on Friday. “We already said we’re not going to pass the ball. It’s a two-man game only. A lot of Wizards buckets,” Wagner joked to Hughes.
- Hawks center Alex Len, who was injured a week ago, will miss at least another 7-10 days, Sarah K. Spencer of the Atlanta Journal Constitution tweets. Len, an unrestricted free agent this summer, is dealing with a right hip flexor strain.
- The Wizards could expect to get a first-round pick and another player if they deal forward Davis Bertans, according to Hughes. It’s unlikely any collection of second-round picks would get the deal done, Hughes adds. The sharpshooting forward has an expiring $7MM contract.
Mahnimi and Bertans for Harrison Barnes and two second rounders
Kings use Mahnimi and Bazemores expiring deals to resign Bobi and Bertans.
Kings have a starting line up of Fox Heild Bobi Bertans and Bagley. Really exciting smart basketball with good shooters.
Wizards get another nice piece to be competitive. Wall Beal Barnes Hachimura and Bryant. Beal is outstanding, Wall hopefully comes back strong and Barnes and Hachimura make a nice duo
Interesting idea for sure. Kings have a boatload of 2nds so it would have to be best 3 of them. Which could buy a 30-32 pick.
Would follow that with a Heat trade.
Winslow (signed 2 more years) for Bogdanovic, 2020 1st unprotected.
All 3 teams get way better now and in the future.