John Wall (Photo : Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards could be on the cusp of losing their star point guard if things do not pan out this season. John Wall, despite becoming the cornerstone of the Wizards franchise, could be on the trading block if Washington continues to trend downhill.
The Wizards are off to a poor start this season as the team currently sits at the bottom half of the Eastern conference, joining hapless teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. It is too early to assess how the team would fare just 14 games into the season, but the Wizards' struggle is clearly becoming a concern for the franchise.
Regardless of the factors that affect the Wizards' disappointing trend, rumors point out that the end result of their losing slump is trading star point guard John Wall. While there are no indications that the Wizards would ever consider such move in the foreseeable future, it remains a possibility, with Wall growing impatient of the team.
"I think Wall needs to be frustrated and needs to demand respect. But it's not the officiating crew or Marcus Smart he should be demanding it from. It's the Wizards' front office that needs to hear him say, 'I demand a better supporting cast'," The Philadelphia Inquirer's Sarah Todd wrote.
Wall is one of the players with the most trade value, according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report, and dealing him could net the Wizards a pack of youth and draft picks. Teams like the Celtics and 76ers have plenty of tradable assets at their disposal, while teams in need of another star like the Kings and Pelicans could also make a run at the star point guard.
"The Wizards, if they wanted to, could get it all for him: high-value picks, top-flight prospects and affordable role players who can keep a team built around Beal competitive," Favale wrote.
But on the other side, letting go of Wall may also not be a viable option for the Wizards. A potential Wall exit in Washington would not solve any of the team's problems on both ends of the floor, whether it be basic fundamentals like shooting open shots or more detailed issues such as miscommunication on defense.
It is still too early for the Wizards to hit the panic button, and it seems unlikely they trade Wall this season. But it would be wise for the Wizards to keep such idea on the back of their heads, especially if they fail to make it to the playoffs.
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