Could veteran big man be next Wizard dealt?

It looks like the Wizards are indeed shifting into a full rebuild, with the possibility of nearly $100 million in salary cap space next summer after flipping Beal’s $46.7 million salary for two expiring contracts.

That cap space is dependent on not signing Kristaps Porzingis to a long-term deal, nor Kyle Kuzma, who will almost certainly not pick up his own player option.

Porzingis enjoyed one of the best seasons last year. In a trade market with many teams trying to contend and very few stars available, Washington could turn their big man into picks and expiring contracts.

He’s an ideal target for any number of aspiring contenders. Porzingis is a former All-Star who shouldn’t require the team acquiring him, since Washington likely wants to be bad next year. He can be a one-year rental, but the team that trades for him also acquires his Bird rights, meaning they could go above the cap to resign him.

This means that there are a lot of places he can fit. He could go to Miami, in exchange for a package led by Kyle Lowry. The Clippers have a lot of expiring contracts and a few picks if they wanted to upgrade at power forward. There are even rumors the Knicks could take him back.

Regardless, Porzingis could help a playoff team. And it’s certain that the Wizards won’t be one.