Washington Wizards trade rumours roundup: Otto Porter Jr. trade, Bradley Beal stay and more

Detroit Pistons v Washington Wizards
Detroit Pistons v Washington Wizards

The NBA trade deadline is just over two weeks away, and rumours are starting to increase in frequency as we head into the closing stages of the trade window. This year's trade window could also be more frantic than normal, as both the Eastern and Western Conferences are both incredibly competitive.

Among the teams looking to make trades this month are the Washington Wizards. The team currently has a record of 20-26, and the Wizards are also coping without All-Star point guard John Wall, who will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.

Nevertheless, the Wizards are just two games out from the final East playoff spot, and here are the latest trade rumours regarding the franchise.


Wizards have no interest in trading away Trevor Ariza

Washington Wizards v Atlanta Hawks
Washington Wizards v Atlanta Hawks

Trevor Ariza joined the Washington Wizards from the Phoenix Suns back in December. The trade resulted in Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr. heading in the opposite direction, although the Wizards were hopeful that Ariza could help their playoff push.

While Washington have continued to struggle, The Athletic is reporting that the Wizards will look to keep Ariza until the end of the season:

It doesn’t mean teams won’t be calling - especially those looking at two-way perimeter players like Trevor Ariza. Washington only acquired Ariza in mid-December from Phoenix in exchange for two of its better trade assets, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Austin Rivers. The move signaled a playoff push, but also the hope of a reunion with Ariza beyond this season.

Since landing in Washington, Ariza has played 16 times, averaging 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. Nevertheless, the veteran will become a free agent this summer, so the Wizards are taking a gamble by keeping the elite two-way player.

Wizards have no intention of trading Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards v New York Knicks
Washington Wizards v New York Knicks

Over the last 18 months, Bradley Beal has established himself as an NBA All-Star, and the 25-year-old has been linked to teams such as the Lakers and Thunder. Nevertheless, The Athletic is reporting that the Wizards will reject all trade approaches for their star man:

Wizards star guard Bradley Beal is not going anywhere, which Washington has made adamantly clear, league sources told The Athletic.

Beal has been with the Wizards since being drafted by the team back in 2012, and the franchise will be hoping that the shooting guard will help deliver them to the playoffs.

Statistically, Beal is having his best season to date, averaging 24.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Despite this, the Wizards still remain outside of the playoff places, and Beal will need to continue his recent form in order for Washington to make the postseason.

Otto Porter Jr. may be allowed to leave

Detroit Pistons v Washington Wizards
Detroit Pistons v Washington Wizards

With Trevor Ariza and Bradley Beal set to stay until the end of the season, it has opened the question as to which members of the roster that the Wizards would be willing to trade. Well, The Athletic is reporting that the Utah Jazz are interested in Otto Porter Jr., and Washington could look to move the 25-year-old before the deadline:

Depending on how the next week to two weeks shape up, the Wizards could look more aggressively toward moving Otto Porter. The Utah Jazz have been an interested suitor for Porter, league sources said. Beal has helped lead the Wizards to seven wins in their past 10 games, carrying a squad that lost All-Star John Wall to season-ending heel surgery before the New Year.

Porter Jr. has performed well for the Wizards so far this season, averaging 13.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, however, he has an expensive deal that still has two more years to run.

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