John Wall is reportedly unhappy with the Washington Wizards failing to secure a playoff spot this year, sparking speculations that the All-Star point guard could ask the team's front office for a trade.
The Wizards are chasing a last-minute playoff spot, with the team currently 10th place (35-36) in the Eastern Conference standings. However, Washington is trailing 2.5 games behind eighth place Detroit Pistons and may have a hard time catching up with only 11 games remaining in the regular season.
The unexpected potential dire situation has left Wall concern about the Wizards opportunity to compete for the East supremacy, and would probably have an effect on his future with the team that drafted and nurtured him into an All-Star point guard.
"I think about it every day, to be honest with you," Wall said, reports The Washington Post. "I'm thinking, 'There's no way in hell we should be in this situation. We should already have a playoff spot. We should be done with that.' Now we're fighting for dear life."
There is a growing sense Wall could demand a trade from the Wizards if they fail to earn a spot in the postseason this year, and if, eventually, they fail to surround the 25-year-old with a solid supporting cast or allow him to play alongside another superstar.
According to Ben Mehic of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, Wall does not appear to be the type of player to demand a trade, although doing so would put pressure to the Wizards to bring someone like Kevin Durant in their roster.
"He seems like a company man, and if he does become disgruntled he certainly won't make a fuss publicly. I imagine Wall has discussed some things with the team already." Mehic noted. "The team can prevent any of that drama by acquiring talent. It's that simple."
Wall has been the Wizards' go-to-guy ever since blossoming to one of the best point guards in the league. There is not much sense for Washington to trade someone like Wall, considering how he has helped the team become relevant in the league again.
Moreover, Wall is playing the best ball game of his young career, averaging 20.1 points and 10.0 assists per game, making it certain that the Wizard would rather build around him than entertain an idea of trading the Kentucky product.