The Dallas Mavericks were eliminated from the playoffs by the Los Angeles Clippers last week. It marked the second consecutive year in which Luka Doncic and Co. got bounced in this fashion.
In the immediate aftermath, reports surfaced regarding Kristaps Porzingis’ displeasure with his current situation.
Over in the East, a similar problem is occurring in D.C. with the Washington Wizards. Despite an impressive late-season run to earn a play-in playoff spot, Bradley Beal and Co. are no closer to competing for an NBA title than they have been at any point in recent years.
Clearly something needs to change.
This past week Chris Crouse of Forty Eight Minutes detailed a massive trade between the Mavericks and Wizards that could solve a lot of problems.
“Porzingis, who is reportedly frustrated with his situation in Dallas, is a name to watch,” he wrote.
“The front office continues to monitor Porzinigis’ situation, though the price tag will be a major factor in whether or not the Wizards can pull off a deal. Westbrook, Bradley Beal, and Rui Hachimura are essentially untouchable in trade talks, a source tells FortyEightMinutes.
“It’s worth noting that Beal, who has the ability to hit the free-agent market next offseason, remains on the same page with the front office, as he’s been assured that they won’t trade him unless he requests it. Deni Avdija is the kind of blue-chip talent that could be the centerpiece in a star-studded deal, though that same source indicated that it would take a substantial offer—like a deal for a true superstar—to pry him away from Washington.
“The Wizards remain optimistic that the former No. 9 overall pick will blossom into a top play-making wing and it’s likely that he’s on the roster to begin the 2021-22 NBA season. Washington has the ability to put together an enticing package for Porzingis without including the four aforementioned players. The team’s first-round selection this season (projected to be No. 11, pending the draft lottery) and Davis Bertans would be a good starting point in negotiations.”
A ‘big three’ comprised of Porzingis, Beal and Russell Westbrook is certainly intriguing – presuming you buy into the notion of Porzingis being a ‘big’ player. He would address Washington’s need for a third weapon alongside its two big stars, and he would probably be happier with the Wizards than he currently is with the Mavericks.
The Bucks owner’s daughter decided to bring 2021 in with a bang by stripping all her clothes off. https://t.co/UgzhEEna4o
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 7, 2021
For Dallas, this could be the opportunity to dump a guy who Doncic clearly hates. It would be less about the pieces coming back and more about the one going out – Porzingis.
This will be an interesting situation to watch in the coming weeks and months.
Is this deal definitely going down? Obviously anything can happen.
But should it? Absolutely.
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