The Washington Wizards enter the offseason looking to retool and add pieces to their core led by Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. Rumors suggest interest in the likes of Kristaps Porzingis, DeMar DeRozan and Jerian Grant among others.
Washington’s best avenue toward acquiring a third star piece is through trades. Their current salary-cap structure leaves the Wizards cash strapped. General manager Tommy Sheppard will be looking to find packages of players and picks enticing enough to lure a player. However, don’t expect forward Rui Hachimura to be included.
According to Chris Crouse of FortyEight Minutes, Hachimura is “essentially off the table” in trade talks along with Westbrook and Beal.
Hachimura just completed his second season after being the ninth overall draft pick in 2019 by the Wizards.
This season, the 22-year-old averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Hachimura increased his shooting percentage from 46.6% his rookie season to 47.8% this season. That’s in large part due to him shooting 32.8% from three from 28.7% a season ago. While still a low percentage in today’s game, the gradual increase shows his potential of being a big part in spacing on the floor.
One holdup is Hachimura being consistent. Following the Wizards’ first-round exit from the playoffs, Westbrook spoke highly of the former Gonzaga star, saying Hachimura “has so many different tools.”
However, Westbrook challenged him to “be able to do it every night.”
Still, it’s clear Hachimura’s potential and development are intriguing for the Wizards. And they are willing to see his maturation through.
With Hachimura added to the ‘Don’t touch list,’ Washington has a couple of options to offer in hopes of landing a big piece. Davis Bertans is coming off a disappointing year after signing a five-year $80 million deal last summer. The Wizards may have regret committing to the three-point specialist, but he still brings enough intrigue to entice another team to take a chance.
The Wizards also have the 15th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft. It’s the pick right after the lottery, which is still considered a premium selection. There is also the remote chance that last year’s first-round pick Deni Avdija could be pried away.
The Wizards would love to keep him. But, considering their current roster structure and goals of retooling over rebuilding, parting with the Israeli youngster would be a possibility for the right return.
Meanwhile for Hachimura, the Wizards are looking forward to him getting competitive work in this summer as he represents his native Japan in the Tokoyo Summer Olympics. Year 3 is expected to be another step forward for Hachimura.
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