Why The Washington Wizards Make The Deal

This deal provides the Wizards with two distinct paths forward. They could move Beal in a separate package and trigger a wholesale rebuild.

Alternatively, they could treat 2022-23 as a gap year. Westbrook’s contract expires after next season. With this deal, the Wizards enter the 2023 offseason armed to the teeth with cap space and draft capital.

Westbrook probably doesn’t suit up for them in either event. The Wizards should have no interest in running back a Westbrook/Beal backcourt with a weaker supporting cast than the last one. If they’re rebuilding, he’d be taking developmental minutes away from one of their younger players.

The Wizards could look to buy Westbrook out. They could also just sit him for the season, similarly to how the Rockets have been dealing with John Wall. Either way, they’re dealing with the dilemma for one year until Westbrook comes off the books.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Lakers-Jazz Trade Swaps Russell Westbrook, Mike Conley

This isn’t the sexy move. It’s not going to stir Wizards fans in their souls. There is still some logic in it. If Beal is willing to put up with one more year of losing, the Wizards would be in good shape to land him a co-star after it.

If he isn’t, the Wizards may be forced to move. Many observers around the league would argue that they should have done so a while ago.