A number of people around the NBA think the Wizards will go “big-game hunting” at the trade deadline in an effort to ensure Bradley Beal remains happy with the situation in D.C. ahead of his upcoming free agency, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype said on his latest podcast.
Scotto identified Pistons forward Jerami Grant and Pacers center Domantas Sabonis as two potential targets to watch for the Wizards. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report mentions the same two names in his look at Washington’s deadline options, referring to Sabonis as a player who has emerged as a “significant” target for the Wizards.
According to Fischer, there’s a belief Beal has signaled plans to re-sign with the Wizards in the offseason, and there has been no indication the team is willing to discuss him in trade talks on or before February 10. However, having slid down the standings since a 10-3 start, the club appears to be in the market for an impact player in order to help “solidify Beal’s standing” in Washington.
Here’s more on the Wizards:
- One source with knowledge of the situation tell Bleacher Report that Beal hasn’t actively encouraged the Wizards to acquire Sabonis, but word around the league is that the Wizards star would welcome the opportunity to play with the big man, Fischer writes. The Kings and Pelicans are the other teams believed to have serious interest in Sabonis, per Fischer’s sources.
- The Pacers‘ front office liked Rui Hachimura heading into the 2019 draft and considered Corey Kispert in the 2021 lottery, according to Fischer, who notes that at least two of Hachimura, Kispert, and Deni Avdija would probably have to be included in any package for Sabonis. The Wizards would also have to offer a player like Thomas Bryant or Montrezl Harrell for salary-matching purposes, plus possibly draft assets, and even that might not meet Indiana’s high asking price, says Fischer.
- The Wizards have made outgoing calls to assess Harrell’s trade value, and rival executives believe they’re playing Bryant more lately in order to showcase him for a potential deal, writes Fischer.
- Although the Wizards have made Spencer Dinwiddie available, his down year will make it more challenging to find a trade partner, per Fischer. “He needs the ball, he’s not good enough to have the ball, and he’s not a good shooter,” a Western Conference executive said to Bleacher Report.
They need a more efficient PG, Wing defender 3&D, and consolidate/upgrade the 4 and 5 spot.
Honestly I don’t know that they have the capital to get a true difference maker. Sabonis would be a start, but he doesn’t make that team a title contender by any means.
Sabonis and Beal is a good mix. I definitely go for that. To me Sabonis is best as a 4. Old school PF. Love his game.
Sabonis is a 4 not a 5. Not a defender
He’s a 20 and 12 guy. Who has a .648% 2PT FG. And shoots 80% from FT. This is one of best offensive bigs in the game. His D is good enough. Reb is part of defense. The way you use this kind of PF. Is you play a defensive Center next to him. A rim protector. That chemistry is what will work.
Dinwiddie is a 80% FT career shooter. His shooting is down this yr. And he’s never been a good 3PT shooter. I’d be more concerned about his health at this point. I sure would be willing to give him a look. Especially getting him cheap. Dinwiddie is a closer and makes good decisions.