NBA rumors are swirling that the Washington Wizards are looking to shake up their roster, with multiple media outlets suggesting as many as six different players could be available for trade.
ESPN filed the initial report on the Washington Wizards looking to remake their roster . After a lackluster 6-10 start to the season, Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfield — who is in the final year of his contract — is looking to revamp the roster to make a push for the playoffs and keep his job, the article suggested.
“Players Grunfeld might be looking to move include Trey Burke, Andrew Nicholson and Otto Porter Jr. Rookies Danuel House Jr., Sheldon McClellan and Daniel Ochefu could be used for filler in certain deals.”
The biggest name being suggested for possible NBA trade rumors is Otto Porter, Jr. The fourth-year small forward has improved each season for the Washington Wizards, culminating in this season’s career best 14.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest through the team’s first 16 games.
Otto Porter Jr. has started the season on ???
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— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 11, 2016
Prior to these NBA trade rumors surfacing, Otto Porter, Jr. seemed destined to play at least one more season with the Washington Wizards. At the end of the 2016-2017 season, Otto Porter, Jr. will be a restricted free agent next season and could command $7.7 million dollars for his services, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic reported earlier this month . Ernie Grunfield has already told Porter, Jr. of his desire to secure the former Georgetown Hoya on a new contract with the Washington Wizards, according to the article.
“We really like what [Otto Porter, Jr.] brings to the table. He’s a really good player that meshes well with John [Wall] and Brad [Beal] who like to have the ball in their hands… Our intention is in the off-season is to have Otto signed and have him here long-term.”
Trey Burke is another notable name from the list of six players potentially available for trade. With his former team, the Utah Jazz, Trey Burke never recaptured the productivity he had in his rookie season as the former Michigan athlete scored 12.8 points and handed out 5.7 assists per game that season.
Washington Wizards trade for Burke, sign Nicholson https://t.co/YLHW2DP386 pic.twitter.com/UeelYD0pEy
— The Sports Blaze (@OPSN_TSB) July 3, 2016
Despite declining statistics, the Washington Wizards made a trade for Trey Burke during the offseason, acquiring the 6-1 guard from Utah in exchange for the team’s 2021 second-round NBA draft pick according to Yahoo! Sports . In his first season with a new franchise, Trey Burke has chipped in 4.6 points and 1.2 assists in limited minutes behind starting point guard John Wall.
SB Nation also offered another option for why the Washington Wizards may be interested in shaking up their roster: DeMarcus Cousins. There’s no shortage of NBA trade rumors for DeMarcus Cousins, as the Inquisitr previously reported . However, the Washington Wizards offer the former University of Kentucky athlete something few other teams can — a long-time friend in John Wall.
Other NBA trade rumors have dominated the early-season headlines for multiple teams, according to multiple Inquisitr reports. In addition to DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings also have fan-favorite Omri Casspi possibly available for a trade . Additionally, a pair of big men, Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe and Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel, have dominated most early-season NBA trade rumors.
The Washington Wizards aren’t the only NBA franchise that is open to trading multiple players this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves have also offered up their young talent to secure a veteran to help head coach Tom Thibodeau win more games this season.
What do you think about the NBA rumors suggesting that the Washington Wizards are open to a possible trade for as many as six different players? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
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