OKC Thunder trade primer: Wizards bad luck equates to great asset options
How the Wizards assets would fit OKC Thunder and likelihood for trade:
Entering the week it seemed like the Wizards were locked into their position to roll with what they had. Oh my – how quickly things can change. Once the news broke about Wall’s Achilles things changed very quickly.
Since then two of the teams core contributors (Otto Porter, Markieff Morris) have been dealt.
Multiple teams said today that Markieff Morris was available for very little -- likely to get the Wizards under the tax.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) February 7, 2019
With those trades, the emphasis now shifts to whether Ernie Grunfeld will keep shedding contracts.
There are two schools of thought on the situation, the first being Trevor Ariza himself would like to return.
Lakers are interested, but Trevor Ariza and Washington Wizards remain in each's future plans, league sources tell ESPN. Ariza is enthusiastic about re-signing with Washington. Wizards' trades creating financial flexibility that'll make it easier to bring Ariza back on new deal
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2019
However, I’m hoping Grunfeld falls into the David Aldridge camp as I’d like to see Washington move both Ariza and Green (to the Thunder!)
After the Wizards’ moves today, there’s absolutely no point holding on to Trevor Ariza or Jeff Green before the trade deadline Thursday. Washington still doesn’t have a second-rounder before 2023. Can replenish at least some of that deficit by moving either/both.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 7, 2019
Either or both players would add value to the OKC Thunder and Sam Presti should actively seek what it would take to land them.
What I’m not sure about is whether the Thunder could use just their trade exemption on Ariza because presumably they wouldn’t be tasked with having to pay the full $15 million given there are only 29 games remaining to play.
Therefore, my assumption is if the Thunder traded to get Ariza just using the tax exemption it would be the percentage of his salary he would play in OKC. This may be proven wrong and would not work in the event there were assets being traded, but I’m presuming it’s the case in this scenario.
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As for Green, his salary is much more reasonable allowing for many more options on the OKC Thunder side of the equation. Again, it seems the Wizards are simply looking to shed salary and if they’ve also elected to believe they won’t make the postseason then they have no reason to retain players who’ll want to make a run at a ring.
Obviously, much will depend on the relationship Green has with management, Grunfeld, and Brooks. But, if he wants to be moved to a contender – why not the Thunder? There are a number of ways Sam Presti could make this deal either via sending Raymond Felton straight up for Green or if the Wizards wanted a younger economical player they could send the Wizards Abdel Nader and Deonte Burton or another player further down the food chain who they own the rights to.
As for the grade perhaps I’m putting too much of my own desires in the mix here, but I do think it’s more reasonable than other trades on our list.
dark. Next. Thunder can acquire Anthony Davis with help from the Kings
Likelihood Grade: 7 out of 10