With his days seemingly numbered with the Washington Wizards, forward Rui Hachimura had a performance sure to drive up his trade value. For the second time this season, Hachimura equaled his career-high with 30 points. His performance helped guide the Wizards to a 138-118 win Saturday against the Orlando Magic.
Hachimura shot 13-of-22 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three. All off the bench. Coincidentally, Hachimura had a plus-20 rating in a 20-point win.
Hachimura has been part of trade speculation. Last month, NBA insider Marc Stein reported the Wizards inquired about a trade centered around Hachimura for Jae Crowder, but the Phoenix Suns rejected the offer. The Suns, reportedly, are seeking a starter in exchange for Phoenix’s castaway Crowder.
However, The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Josh Robbins reported last week the Wizards continue to plan to find a trade for Hachimura. Several Western Conference teams are interested in the former Gonzaga standout.
Following Saturday’s game, all the talk with Hachimura was about getting traded.
“I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player,” Hachimura said, per Hoop District. “I want to be somewhere that likes my game.”
Since missing 16 games with an ankle injury, Hachimura has been inconsistent in his play. Last month, he scored 30 points in a 25-point win over the Phoenix Suns. He scored 26 in a 23-point win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Still, there have been dull moments like his five-point performance in a Wizards’ loss to Oklahoma City earlier this month. He went scoreless in the previous game before dropping 30 on the Magic Saturday night.
His inconsistency on the court may be contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his playing time. It could also be how he is used. Some may argue because of his limitations.
“I just got to play my game,” Hachimura continued. “I know what I can do and I can help the team to wins. It’s either here or other teams.”
If Rui Hachimura is frustrated and wants out of Washington, he isn’t going to let his feelings be known.
When asked if he wants to be traded, Hachimura raised his eyebrows before saying, “I don’t know,” in laughter.
He got asked if he thinks he’ll be traded, “I guess, I mean, I don’t know,” Hachimura replied.
He was mum about if he asked for a trade, replying, “no comment,” while smiling.
Nevertheless, the clock on Hachimura playing for the Wizards is running out. The writing was on the wall this offseason when the team elected not to offer Hachimura a rookie contract extension, setting him up for free agency after the 2022-23 season.
More importantly, the decision signaled the Wizards are preparing to move on from the guy they drafted ninth overall in 2019. As the Feb. 9 deadline approaches, the Wizards seek to get something in exchange for their apparent whiff.
