All-Star power forward Kristaps Porzingis could pick up his $36 million player option for next season with the Washington Wizards, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
If Porzingis exercises his player option, the Wizards could consider trading him this offseason. The franchise is also expected to work with star Bradley Beal on a trade.
“Any Wizards return for Beal won’t take place in a vacuum. Washington might also have another trade chip to consider during any Beal talks in center Kristaps Porzingis,” Fischer wrote. “The 7-foot-3 center is considering picking up his $36 million player option for the 2023-24 campaign, sources said. And the true introduction of another All-Star into the trade market could perhaps impact the Wizards’ efforts to find a significant return for Beal.”
Porzingis averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Wizards in 2022-23. He shot 49.8% from the field, 38.5% from beyond the arc and 85.1% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kristaps Porzinigs & Washington Wizards Updates
Many rival executives The Athletic’s Josh Robbins has polled informally over the last two weeks expect new Wizards president Michael Winger to undertake a full rebuild, if not this offseason, then within the next year.
The Wizards’ new front-office leaders and Beal have a mutual understanding that they intend to work together to find a trade that would send the three-time All-Star shooting guard to a contender if the team elects to reset the organization this offseason. Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he would get to choose his next team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kristaps Porzinigs & Washington Wizards Updates
Washington won just 35 games in 2022-23. Beal, Porzingis and swingman Kyle Kuzma appeared in only 35 games together and they compiled a 16-19 record in those games. In the trio’s 740 minutes on the floor together, Washington outscored opponents by 3.3 points per 100 possessions.
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