The Washington Wizards have made re-signing forward Davis Bertans one of their top priorities this off-season. However, they are expected to face a great deal of competition for the Latvia native’s services when free agency begins later this month.
That competition may not be exclusive to teams with room in their salary cap. According to NBC Sports Washington, multiple teams without cap room are preparing to target Bertans in a sign-and-trade scenario. While no specific teams are named, the report includes at least two Eastern Conference teams and one from the West would be interested in a sign-and-trade.
Teams with salary cap room such as the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings have been long rumored to be interested in Bertans.
Washington is hoping to re-sign Bertans to have his sharpshooting complement their dynamic backcourt of Bradley Beal and John Wall, who is returning after missing all of last season with a torn Achilles.
The impact of a returning Wall in 2020-2021 is a large reason the Wizards opted not to trade Bertans ahead of last season’s trade deadline.
In his one season with the Wizards, Bertans had a career-year. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged career highs with 15.4 points and 4.5 rebounds. He shot 42.4% from three, knocking down an average of 3.7 treys per game.
The Wizards own Bertans’ Bird Rights allowing them to go over the salary cap to re-sign him. But, that doesn’t guarantee they’ll be able to retain him. Washington will get the first meeting according to NBC Sports Washington. However, there are certain to be a fair share of teams interested.
If Bertans is to agree to a deal with a team seeking a sign-and-trade, the Wizards would be afforded the opportunity to work out a trade to get something in return. Therefore, if they are to strike out on Bertans, they can at least not lose him for nothing.
