The Washington Wizards hot start to the season has fizzled lately. It especially came crashing down after they blew a 35-point lead to the Los Angeles Clippers last week. The Wizards are expected to be active before next week's NBA trade deadline. Executive around the league detailed who they believe are the two players most likely to be moved.
NBC Sports' Chase Hughes noted who the executives chose; namely Montrezl Harrell and Davis Bertans.
Harrell makes a lot of sense. The Wizards are deep in the front court, with Thomas Bryant, Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura and Daniel Gafford. Earlier this season, Gafford and the Wizards agreed on a three-year, $40 million extension. Meanwhile, Harrell is playing on an expiring contract. That is always attractive to other general managers around the league.
Teams can bring Harrell in if they are in need of some front court scoring and depth. Then, cut him loose after the season at no cost.
But also, things have been a bit contentious in the Wizards locker room. Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had an altercation last month. Superstar Bradley Beal recently spoke about players on Washington playing for contracts. Well, obviously Harrell fits that category.
As good as Harrell is on the offensive end, it's defense that Washington needs to improve upon.
Bertans is more cut and dry. He has all but been taken out of the rotation. The Wizards simply have more talented players at his position.
When the Wizards franchise decided to build from the ground up a couple of years ago, they envisioned themselves taking it slow. But with Beal set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, it might force the team's hand to make a big splash now.
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