The Washington Wizards could be forced to trade John Wall if the likes of Bradley Beal and Otto Porter do not draw interests from other teams.
The Wizards are among the predicted teams ready to hit the trade market, with Washington on course for another disappointing season. Whether it be minor trades or blockbuster deals involving stars like DeMarcus Cousins, the Wizards have plenty of assets to facilitate a trade before the deadline.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report explored trade scenarios that could help the Wizards right the ship. Among the pieces involved in the proposed deal are Bradley Beal and Otto Porter, two key players in the Wizards' rotation.
Beal, who just signed a five-year $127.1 million deal with the Wizards this past summer, would be difficult to move due to his contract and history of injuries. But he is a capable scorer and has shown flashes of high upside when playing healthy. Pairing Beal with Porter in any potential deal could net the Wizards proven stars that could help turn the things around for the franchise.
However, if teams do not get intrigued by a package of Beal and Porter, Favale believes Wall could be the last resort for Washington to kick start their rebuild.
"Beal and Porter, plus filler and picks, for DeMarcus Cousins might pique the Kings' interest, but Washington then needs to dump Marcin Gortat and/or Mahinmi," Favale wrote.
"If that needle-nudging deal isn't out there, the Wizards have to contemplate biting the bullet and trading Wall. Suitors will trip over themselves to bid on a superstar in his prime who isn't a flight risk for two-plus seasons, and any deal is bound to stock Washington's cupboard with enough picks and prospects to begin a low-key rebuild around Beal and Porter."
Wall could be the Wizards' best trade chip. The 26-year-old point guard is already an established All-Star and one of the most consistent players in the league. Wall also has a team-friendly contract and is locked up through 2018-2019, making him a desirable acquisition for contending teams. Trading Wall would give the Wizards enough prospects and picks to rebuild, a move which Bill Simmons has suggested in his latest podcast.
Would the Kings gamble on losing Cousins for Wall? Could the 76ers, Celtics and Lakers, who have plenty of young talents and future assets, take risk in trading for a proven star? It remains to be seen which teams would have interest in acquiring Wall, but if the Wizards would make him available, expect several teams to offer Washington enticing trade deals.
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