John Wall (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards are reportedly looking to move John Wall before the February 2017 trade deadline as the team continues to look like pretenders rather than contenders this season.
Larry Berger of USA Today reported that the Wizards could look into "exploring moving" Wall, which could certainly alter the NBA landscape. While such claims remain rumors, there are reasons to believe trading Wall could happen before the trade deadline.
The Wizards have been able to hit the winning column after a dismal 2-8 start to the season, but the team's inconsistency could prove as a huge factor for Wall's exit in Washington. Wall has expressed frustration over the Wizards' lack of effort a couple of times this season. After his career-night 52 points against the Orlando Magic earlier this month, Wall called out the team for not playing hard every game.
"Our job is to come here and play hard and compete. That's the easiest thing that you should do without any contracts or any money, just come in and play basketball," Wall told CSN Mid-Atlantic.
Apparently, Wall's disappointment towards the team may not only be in the Wizards' lack of effort on the playing court. Candace Buckner of The Washington Post wrote about Wall being undervalued and how the league's new CBA might not help the star point guard change his status in the NBA.
As Bucker noted, Wall may not be eligible for the designated veteran exception, a new measure in the CBA. Simply put, being eligible for the veteran exception will enable players to sign longer contract extensions and more "financial motivation" to re-sign with their original teams, which in turn would give the franchise a chance to keep its homegrown talents.
But considering Wall's collection of achievements, he is not yet in position for a heftier salary in the foreseeable future. A major part of Wall's ineligibility is his lack of individual league awards (e.g. All-NBA status, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year), which, according to Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report, could play a factor for the Wizards trading him if he is not interested in re-signing with the team.
"So Wall isn't thrilled about his compensation or exposure. That may mean he's just fed up with Washington and may not be interested in signing an extension with the team in the future-which may also mean that trading the superstar is ultimately the best outcome for all parties involved," Rapp wrote.
Wall recently stressed a potential problem for him not getting individual league awards is the team's lack of exposure, insisting that "If you don't have NBA League Pass and stuff like that, you don't see the things that I'm doing in the game or what we're doing trying to win."
It is unclear whether the Wizards would truly entertain the idea of trading Wall, but considering the point guard's statement, teams with big market could be the favorites to acquire the 26-year-old.
The Los Angeles Lakers have long been intrigued by adding a proven star on their lineup. Despite the team already having a talented young backcourt in D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, it is possible LA takes its chances of luring Wall into Tinsel town, with the Lakers known for being impatient when it comes to contending for a title.
The New York Knicks could also be a potential destination for Wall. Derrick Rose is playing in the final year of his contract, and while he seems to have found his niche with the team, Wall's team-friendly contract could make him an ideal replacement for Rose if the latter decides to explore other options in free agency.
The Wizards could opt to keep Wall and try to surround him with better supporting cast next season. But if the Wizards once again fail to reach the playoffs, moving Wall is a move worth considering.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
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