The Washington Wizards is reportedly set to be aggressive in approaching this season’s trade deadline, even aiming to be frontrunners for a prized star center and negotiating about a versatile wing man — Domantas Sabonis and Jerami Grant.
In a detail provided by Wizards insider Quinton Mayo, there should be an assumption that Washington will be active in Feb. 10 deadline, wherein Sabonis will be the key feature in the hot pursuit. Mayo added that the European big man already received a “ringing endorsement” from franchise star Bradley Beal due to the complement of its abilities, contract and age in connection to the franchise. If ever a deal will happen, the reporter stressed out that Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija will be the core pieces to be shipped to Indianapolis.
Expect Washington to approach the trade deadline aggressively with their sights set on Indiana Pacers star big man, Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis has received a ringing endorsement from Beal, and others, within the Wizards organization due to his skill set, possible fit within head coach Wes Unseld Jr.’s system, contract flexibility, and age, sources tell me. Sabonis, 25, is currently in year two of a 4-year, $74.9 million contract. Hachimura and/or Avdija would have to be included in said deal, I’d imagine, as well as cap fillers, and some draft capital.
Mayo also stated that the Wizards have initially contacted about the availability of Detroit Pistons main man Jerami Grant on the market, wherein there’s only table negotiations for a time being due to the forward’s looming contract extension.
Washington has also engaged in preliminary conversations with the Detroit Pistons regarding 27-year-old DMV native, Jerami Grant however, his talent ceiling, as well as impending contract extension, has given them a reason to table negotiations, for the time being, sources tell me. Grant could seek a deal well north of $100 million over the next four seasons.
With executive Tommy Sheppard shifting his attention on presenting Beal a long-term commitment and huge payday following this season, the Wizards will certainly exert their best effort to surround the high-scoring guard with the best supporting cast.
As the D.C. eroded now to the eight place of the East after a good head start, the urgency to commit for moves that will encourage stronger late season push is possible.
