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Grantland’s Zach Lowe examines the bright future of the Washington Wizards. The Wiz have some contract decisions to make on two key rotation players; Trevor Ariza and Marcin Gortat.
The Wiz may need to retain Bird rights on Gortat and Ariza so they can outbid suitors who would offer those players the midlevel exception. That wouldn’t preclude Washington from going under the cap. The Wiz could keep Gortat and Ariza on their books unsigned, talk to Bosh/Melo-level players, and then renounce Gortat and Ariza if they strike an informal deal with one of the stars.
Washington could work the trade market to find a capable replacement for one or both guys — a proven veteran better than the minimum-salary stopgaps, but on a cheaper and/or shorter deal than Ariza and Gortat will get. The Wiz have long liked Jeff Green, who has just two seasons left on his current deal. They could help Denver reboot by flipping one player for the combo of Wilson Chandler and J.J. Hickson, both with two seasons left on their deals. They could kick the tires on any number of useful wing players under contract in Minnesota and Memphis.
Jeff Green for Bradley Beal! Do it, Danny!
I kid…
Lowe speculates that Marcin Gortat and Trevor Ariza could each fetch 4-year deals worth $35 – $40 million on the market. With those numbers, Green becomes a cheaper alternative to Ariza.
But what would Boston seek in return? I don’t like a sign-and-trade for Ariza. You don’t commit 4 years to role players until you’re superstar core is intact.
I like Gortat, but Washington isn’t going to move him for Green.
File under: July is going to be fun.]]>
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