Wizards Ready to Take More 'Big Swings' On The Trade Market

 

The Washington Wizards stunned the basketball world last year with the John Wall-Russell Westbrook trade, and according to Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard, they're ready to take more "big swings" to do whatever is necessary to improve the team.

The Westbrook trade helped the Wizards make the playoffs for the first time in three years this season, before being eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers. But going forward, a first-round exit, according to Sheppard, is "no longer acceptable."

But the team doesn't have a lot to spend in free agency, and their 15th pick in the NBA Draft isn't likely to move the needle much. That leaves trades, even another blockbuster if necessary, as the main means to improvement. 

Wing defence, shooting, and depth are the key areas Sheppard says need addressing.

With the annual offseason chatter about Bradley Beal's happiness in Washington ready to kick into high gear, expect his name to be front and center in a lot of trade rumors. 


Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports