Washington Wizards: 5 trade destinations for John Wall
Could the Washinton Wizards trade with the Detroit Pistons?
The Detroit Pistons are gearing up for a youth movement, which would make acquiring John Wall an odd choice. However, they too employ an oft-injured former All-Star on a massive contract. Would the Pistons be willing to trade Blake Griffin to the Wizards for John Wall and a few picks down the line?
Griffin is owed $36.5 million next season with a $38.9 million player option for the next season. His salary, while not quite as robust as Wall’s, matches nicely and would net Detroit a few future picks for taking on Wall’s extra millions.
The problem is, Griffin’s contract is shorter and smaller than Wall’s. The Pistons probably believe that they can trade Griffin to a contender for contracts that will be more easily moved or voided for a similar pick haul.
The deal makes sense on a few basketball levels for both sides. The Pistons just signed every center available and have a young point guard that they may want to ease into NBA action with such a short offseason. However, Wall will likely play out the remaining three years on his contract and by the end of it, the Pistons could have an overpaid, underperforming, back-up to their point guard of the future.
The Wizards, on the other hand, would love to see what Griffin still has in the tank. The former All-NBA power forward would fit nicely into their roster as a co-star next to Bradley Beal and the move has little downside for the Wizards as well.
If he bombs or has injury problems again then he’ll likely opt into his player option and the Wizards will be saddled with his $38.9 million salary but that will still be less than what John Wall would be owed. If he’s healthy and productive then perhaps he opts out, but he could always be re-signed or the Wizards could use the almost $40 million in salary-cap space to target free agents in the summer of 2021.
To make this move, it will cost the Wizards multiple first-round picks but it’s a deal that should be pursued. However, it’s unlikely the Pistons will want to take on Wall’s contract and a similar pick haul could come from other teams with less damaging contracts. The Pistons have had a surprising offseason so a surprise like this is not out of the realm of possibility.