The Washington Wizards have made one of the biggest trades in the off-season. The Wizards traded star point guard John Wall and a 2023 first-round pick to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook. The move comes off the back of trade requests from both players wanting to leave.
Wall had been a Wizard since he entered the league in 2010 and has been the face of the team. His departure significantly changes the look of the Wizards. They haven’t made many moves in the off-season, but they are looking like a good team going into the new season.
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Washington Wizards – Incoming Players
1) Russell Westbrook
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SAITAMA, JAPAN – OCTOBER 08: Russell Westbrook #0 of Houston Rockets dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors on October 8, 2019 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
This trade is a huge move for both teams. For the Wizards, they get an upgrade in Westbrook since he doesn’t have the injury concerns that Wall does.
But Westbrook’s contract will be a concern for the Wizards. Westbrook earns about $41 million a year. However, if Westbrook can perform his best, they will gladly give him that salary.
2) Raul Neto
Free agent guard Raul Neto has agreed to a one-year deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
The Wizards signed Brazilian point guard Raul Neto in free agency, and he is a solid bench player. Neto played last season for the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged close to 5 points and 2 assists per game last season.
3) Robin Lopez
Milwaukee Bucks center Robin Lopez is declining his $5M player option and becoming a free agent, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 16, 2020
The Wizards signed veteran free agent Robin Lopez in free agency. Lopez was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after one season.
4) Deni Avdija
The Wizards drafted Israeli basketball player Deni Avidja in the 2020 NBA Draft. Many consider Avidja a dark horse selection and were surprised that he fell so low in the draft. He could be a fantastic pickup for the Wizards.
Washington Wizards – Outgoing Players
1) John Wall
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WASHINGTON, USA – NOVEMBER 09: John Wall (2) of Washington Wizard in action during an NBA Game between Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers at Capitol One Arena in Washington, United States on November 09, 2017. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Russell Westbrook, Wall hadn’t played a game for the Wizards since December 2018.
2) Jerian Grant
New #Rockets at #TXSN – Rockets to sign ex-Wizards guard Jerian Grant https://t.co/4e5cCz3baC
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 1, 2020
Jerian Grant left the Wizards in free agency, and he has signed with the Houston Rockets.
Washington Wizards – Expected Departures
- Gary Payton II
- Ian Mahinmi
2021 Washington Wizards Roster
Front Court:
- Thomas Bryant
- Dāvis Bertāns
- Rui Hachimura
- Deni Avdija
- Troy Brown
- Moe Wagner
- Robin Lopez
Back Court:
- Bradley Beal
- Russell Westbrook
- Ish Smith
- Raul Neto
- Isaac Bonga
- Jerome Robinson
- Cassius Winston (Two-Way Player)
- Garrison Matthews (Two-Way Player)
Despite the loss of John Wall, Wizards fans will be excited with the arrival of Russell Westbrook. While Westbrook is no longer in his prime, he can still contribute with points and assists for Bradley Beal and a Wizards team that needs help. The Wizards will begin the new NBA season on December 22, 2020.
