Despite reports of the Washington Wizards “zeroed in” on Indiana Pacers star Domantas Sabonis, general manager Tommy Sheppard was unable to land the 25-year old all-around center.
Instead, Sabonis is headed to Sacramento. The Pacers traded Sabonis, guards Jeremy Lamb and Justin Holiday, and a 2027 second-round draft pick to the Kings. In exchange, Indiana is receiving guards Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield as well as center Tristan Thompson, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Wizards seem stuck in purgatory trying to put together the right fit surrounding Bradley Beal. Sabonis was a player endorsed by Beal to pair him with in Washington.
However, Woj reported earlier this week the Wizards didn’t have enough assets to acquire Sabonis.
Who else is on the wish list of Beal? It’s a valid question considering Sheppard has done everything possible to appease Beal. So, missing out on Sabonis won’t stop him.
Beal’s agent reportedly came into town Monday to talk with the Wizards management. The team has spiraled out of control following a 10-3 start to the season. They’re now 24-29 and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Wizards, who added a number of key players this past offseasaon, haven’t gelled together as of late. It appears Spencer Dinwiddie, one of the added players this summer, has already worn out his welcome.
Sheppard is seemingly doing all he can to convince Beal to stay long-term in Washington. But so far it’s not been enough and now there is doubt Beal will bolt out of town this summer.
So where will Sheppard turn his attention to now is anyone’s guess.
The Wizards are reportedly linked to trade talks for Detroit Pistons forward Jerami Grant. Washington is considered one of three teams with the most interest in Grant.
Coincidentally, the Kings were one of those three teams. They may be seemingly out after landing Sabonis. The other team was the Portland Trailblazers, who offloaded CJ McCollum earlier on Tuesday.
