The Washington Wizards could be on the market for their 15th overall selection, if other teams would be willing to take on some of their expiring contracts, according to Ben Standig of The Sports Capitol.
“The Wizards have five players with expiring contracts, including starters Marcin Gortat and Markieff Morris. Gortat’s $13.56 million salary for the 2018-19 season dwarfs the other expiring deals. The hefty figure counts among the reasons why the 34-year-old center is considered a likely trade piece.”
Gortat started declining this past season, failing to average double digits scoring after putting up a double-double (10.8 points, 10.4 rebounds) last season for the second time in his career.
Morris, who is owed $8.6 million next season, is a pill that could be swallowed more easily, given his production and motor with this current roster.
Head coach Scott Brooks has debated playing the likes of Mike Scott at power forward or at center during small-ball lineups, making Gortat virtually expendable.
The Wizards, who also own the 44th overall pick, could choose to package forward/center Jason Smith (owed $5.45 million), sharpshooter Jodie Meeks ($3.45 million) and backup point guard Tomas Satoransky ($3.13 million) along with Gortat if they are to give up their first-round selection in a trade.
The 15th pick doesn't have the same appeal as other picks higher up the lottery, but it could prove the difference for those lacking a pick in the first round, looking to draw talent through the NBA Draft.
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