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John Wall is the guy in Washington. His contract says so.
Beginning in the 2019-2020 season, he will be making $42 million per year to the be face of the franchise through 2022. But with a historically bad season that seems to be getting only worse, the Wizards may be ready to listen to offers for the five time all-star.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, teams across the league are getting the impression that Wall and Bradley Beal are no longer untouchable in the trade market. At 28 and 25 years old, respectively, of course the franchise would rather use them as team centerpieces moving forward.
But with the season they are currently having and no other valuable players to offer, ownership may consider blowing up the whole thing.
Woj has since added this:
Story filed to ESPN: The Wizards fined All-Star John Wall for unloading a verbal barrage onto coach Scott Brooks in a recent practice. After Wall and his teammates had been challenged to raise intensity in that session, Wall fired back with "F--- you," to Brooks. Story soon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 20, 2018
After losing 9 of their first 11 games, the Wizards now sit at 5-11, just two games out of last place in the Southeast Division. Coach Scott Brooks has been publicly critical of the entire team, often calling their effort into question.
Brooks on getting down 20 only eight minutes in: "We gotta just play with more enthusiasm, more effort, more energy. That’s embarrassing. That’s embarrassing."
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) November 19, 2018
As Woj notes in his article, Beal is the more attractive trade piece for potential suitors. He is three years younger and has a more trade-friendly contract, especially when you consider Wall’s 15% trade kicker.
Kentucky fans have clamored for Wall to team up with another former Wildcat in the league, as he has carried the Wizards franchise on his own since entering the league.
Yes, he did play with Jodie Meeks last season. But how exciting would it be to see him back with DeMarcus Cousins? Or feeding Devin Booker or Karl-Anthony Towns?
While it is doubtful that he will be traded, it is fun to speculate on where he could land. Where would you like to see this former Kentucky Wildcats star land?