The Washington Wizards appear steadfast on retooling over rebuilding. After a strong late push to make the playoffs this season, Washington is looking to add another star to team with dynamic guards Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal.
One player that may have the team’s interest is disgruntled Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis. According to Chris Crouse of FourtyEight Minutes, the Wizards continue to monitor Porzingins’ situation. The asking price of the Mavericks for the 7-foot-3 Latvia native will play a major factor in the level of the Wizards’ interest.
The Wizards were rumored to be interested in Porzingis earlier this season. But nothing came to fruition before the trade deadline. After a disappointing 2020-21 season, Porzingis reportedly feels like “an afterthought” in Dallas behind All-Star Luka Doncic.
Monitoring his situation shows interest from the Wizards. But a number of factors could deter their interest. One is matching trade pieces.
The Wizards would prefer to keep its core four players off the table — Beal, Westbrook, Rui Hachimura, and Deni Avdija. However, those four players may have the most trade value. Surely neither Beal nor Westbrook would be in a trade for Porzingis. It would take an amazing offer for the Wizards to move Huchimara or Avdija.
Still, the Wizards have options, such as the disappointing Davis Bertans, who has four years remaining on an $80 million deal. They also have the 15th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Even with the right package, there are concerns about Porzingis’ health and the hefty amount of money owed to him moving forward. He is owed about $65 million over the next two seasons. Additionally, he holds a player option at just over $36 million for the 2023-24 season.
This season, he was limited to 43 games due to various injuries. He averaged 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds while shooting 37.6% from three in the regular season. However, he had just 13.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and shot 29.6% from three in the playoffs.
The season prior he played 57 games and missed the last three games in the playoffs with a meniscus tear. He is three years removed from a torn ACL while playing with the New York Knicks.
Committing to a player with the injury history of Porzingis with such a financial committment can be deemed risky. Not to mention, his frustration of playing second fiddle in Dallas. In Washington, he would take a proverbial backseat to Westbrook and Beal. Would Porzingis fit?
Those are keys Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard would have to consider. One thing is certain, the Wizards are intent on building on this season. Whether it’s Porzingis or other rumored interest such as DeMar DeRozan or Andre Drummond, Washington seemingly is planning on creating their own Big Three.
