Wizards big man Montrezl Harrell and swingman Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had a physical altercation during halftime of Tuesday’s win over Oklahoma City, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
According to Charania, Harrell was upset that Caldwell-Pope didn’t pass him the ball on a play at the end of the first half, and the two teammates began jawing at one another on their way to the locker room. The confrontation eventually escalated to the point where they took swings at each other (neither player connected) and had to be separated by teammates, Charania adds.
Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington shared video of the play that seemingly led to the incident.
Harrell and Caldwell-Pope played together in Los Angeles last season before being traded by the Lakers to the Wizards in the Russell Westbrook blockbuster over the summer.
The two veterans have had key roles on a 21-20 Washington team that remains firmly in the playoff mix in the Eastern Conference. Harrell is averaging 14.4 PPG and 7.3 RPG in 34 games (25.4 MPG), while Caldwell-Pope has put up 11.6 PPG and a .389 3PT% in 38 appearances (29.7 MPG).
I’d expect the Wizards to downplay Tuesday’s altercation and look to put it behind them. Still, it’s worth noting – with the trade deadline just four weeks away – that both Harrell and KCP have pretty team-friendly contracts and their names could come up in trade discussions if Washington looks to upgrade its roster in the coming weeks. Harrell is on an expiring $9.7MM salary, while Caldwell-Pope is making $13MM this season and has a partial guarantee (about $5MM) on his $14MM salary for 2022/23.
Don’t forget that the Wizards just got Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura back too, so they have a lot of C/PF guys now crowded in a rotation. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Harrell traded … going back to the Lakers or Clippers makes sense.
I’ve never liked Harrell’s attitude, i kinda hate the guy.
Lakers need defensive help, Harrell, while a decent player, is not what Lakers need.
Neither player connected. That’s good…kkk.
KCP should be glad Harrell didn’t connect, ouch. As a Laker fan, I’d gladly take him back and waive DJ. The guy was a rebound machine last year.
They are both good players but they should be embarrassed and apologize to the team and fans. It doesnt look like it’s all about winning…. Probably some personal off court issues and ttheir next contracts.
Maybe say “my bad” to the teammates…
But, apologize to the fans for what????
Wth they got to do with anything?
Harrell is a 6th man of the year winner, whoever gets him is likely getting a cheap bench boost.
I thought that Pope should have thrown the pass to Harrell after he blocked it. There were only 2 seconds left in the half so it may not have worked, but no reason to get in a fist fight.
Chicago!!!!!