2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Derrick Rose

2. Washington Wizards

After years spent trying to assert themselves in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Wizards find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Bradley Beal had his best season as a pro with career-highs in points, rebounds and assists, but his backcourt mate appeared in just 32 games and isn’t likely to return anytime soon.

John Wall originally underwent surgery that was set to have him out for 6-8 weeks. Following a slip and fall in the comfort of his own home, the five-time All-Star likely won’t suit for the entirety of the 2019-20 season after tearing his Achilles.

His contract is one of the worst in the league, set to pay him around $170 million over the next four years. Not even in his prime, the Wizards don’t want waste Beal’s talent going through an arduous teardown, but the lack of financial flexibility hampers their ability to make any significant changes.

https://twitter.com/NBCSWizards/status/1143337137984684035

Rose may have contently taken a role off the bench with a number of different teams, but he very likely would prefer a return to a starting position. With Wall on the shelf likely for all of next year and Tomas Satoransky set to become a restricted free agent, the opportunity may be there for the taking.

He would also be provided an ideal backcourt mate in Beal. A career 38.4 percent shooter from beyond the arc who’s improved tremendously as a shot creator, the two-time All-Star can work off the ball but also take over for a guy whose body can only withstand so much physical punishment.

The Wizards would give Rose a chance to stand out while also making sure his body stays intact for the long haul next to a superstar guard. Washington may not be competing for a championship, but in a conference where the 8-seed won just 41 games last season, a playoff push shouldn’t be out of the question with a capable floor general starting off games.