Washington Wizards: 5 goals for the 2018 offseason

2. Finding suitors on the trade market for Gortat and Mahinmi

At season’s end, John Wall spoke of upgrading the Wizards’ frontcourt. It’s easier said than done considering they owe Marcin Gortat $13.6 million next season and Ian Mahinmi is due roughly $32 million across the next two seasons.

Gortat has been on a decline lately and his war of words with Wall last season seemed almost unnecessary. It’s hard to foresee a locker room with Wall and Gortat on it in 2018-19 finding chemistry and success on the court.

That’s why it should be worth the Wizards’ time to explore a potential trade with the Charlotte Hornets for Dwight Howard. Howard is due to make $23.8 million on an expiring deal. A good starting point is offering Ian Mahinmi and Jason Smith for Howard.

It’s not something the Hornets would jump at, but financially the trade works. The Wizards may need to throw in a draft pick or two to sweeten the deal or throw in a young player, but again, it’s something they can explore.

It may be difficult for the Washington Wizards to move Gortat or Mahinmi this offseason, so they should have a backup plan for if they remain on the roster to begin the 2018-19 season, or it could be an even uglier season.