Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura is available to play after missing 16 games with an ankle injury. Just as Hachimura sets to return to the court, trade rumors have surfaced about the former Gonzaga star.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Wizards made a trade offer to the Phoenix Suns for Jae Crowder centered around Hachimura. However, the Suns rejected the proposal, as Phoenix is looking for a starting-caliber player. To Phoenix, Hachimura doesn’t fit their criteria.
Crowder played the past two seasons with the Suns. Yet, the two sides mutually agreed for Crowder to sit out the 2022-23 season until Phoenix finds a suitable trade.
What’s startling is that the Wizards sought after Crowder. Washington’s general manager Tommy Sheppard has identified Crowder as a part that could improve the team’s vision.
Meanwhile, the fact the Wizards are dangling Hachimura may be more surprising. Washington drafted Hachimura with the ninth overall pick in 2019.
In four seasons, Hachimura has yet to reach his untapped potential. After starting his first 105 games, Hachimura has been primarily a role player over the past two seasons, sparked by his absence at the start of last season as he focused on his mental health.
This season all 16 of his appearances have come off the bench. Kyle Kuzma’s emergence has played a factor in Hachimura’s role reduction. Still, areas in his game need improvement in hopes of him living to the expectations garnered as a lottery pick.
Hachimura has averaged 12.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 163 career games. He has shot 47.7% from the field, including 35.8% from three.
Hachimura is in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The Wizards declined to offer him a rookie extension this past summer. Hachimura will be a restricted free agent after this season.
The Suns’ rejection may also laminate how other NBA teams view Hachimura. Phoenix wants a starter to move Crowder. And apparently, Rui Hachimura doesn’t fit the build for Phoenix.
Sheppard and the Wizards are approaching a crossroads with the roster’s future. This summer, Washington signed three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to a five-year, $251 million super-max contract. However, the rest of the team remains in flux.
If anything, the report highlights that the Wizards are ready to move on from Hachimura for the right player. It may add another layer to Rui Hachimura not being part of the Wizards’ long-term plans.
