Washington Wizards

The Los Angeles Lakers front office reportedly had a "strong level of disagreement" about whether to make a blockbuster trade to acquire Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards.

CBS Sports' Bill Reiter provided background details about the trade talks that were led by Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka (via Dan Lyons of The Spun):

There was a strong level of disagreement within the Lakers organization about whether or not Russell Westbrook was ultimately the person that they needed to pursue with the picks and the players, including Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma, who are now headed to Washington. Communicating with one Lakers source, who was not excited about the Westbrook trade. He said in the end, that the star power and belief by Rob Pelinka, the general manager in L.A., that Westbrook and his ability, his track record of excellence is what the Lakers need, even though it's an interesting pairing. Westbrook needs the ball in his hands.

"This could be the end of the Alex Caruso era in Los Angeles."@sportsreiter says the Russell Westbrook addition likely means the departure of Alex Caruso. pic.twitter.com/yBTvKPEsZq

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) July 30, 2021

In the end, the Lakers decided to make a calculated bet that bringing in another high-impact player in Westbrook will be more valuable in their quest to chase another championship than relying on key role players, which is why they gave up Kuzma, Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to acquire the 2016-17 NBA MVP.

The triumvirate of Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis is undoubtedly a matchup nightmare for opponents, and Talen Horton-Tucker has emerged as a high-upside secondary scorer who should benefit from playing alongside three players who demand constant defensive attention.

Thank you DC! You welcomed my family and I with open arms from day one. Everyone from the front office, to the training staff, the coaches, my teammates, and the fans. I’m grateful y’all took a chance on me and supported me every step of the way. pic.twitter.com/wTvHQHPIOU

— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) July 30, 2021

Now the question becomes how L.A. will build out the rest of its roster.

Marc Gasol is the only player outside of its Big Three with a guaranteed contract for next season. Alfonzo McKinnie has a non-guaranteed deal, while Horton-Tucker, Kostas Antetokounmpo and Devontae Cacok are restricted free agents.

The Lakers are likely hoping they'll be able to attract a lot of veteran depth players on short, team-friendly deals in order to chase a title.

Even if they are successful with those type of additions throughout the remainder of the offseason, their 2021-22 campaign will rest solely on the health of the Big Three.

James and Davis both missed an extended portion of the Lakers' title defense this past season with injuries, and Los Angeles obviously tumbled down the Western Conference standings without them.

Yet, in an NBA dominated by star power, it's hard to blame Pelinka and Co. for taking a chance on Westbrook being a difference-maker while the team's championship window is wide open.

The Washington Wizards drafted NBA G League Ignite big Isaiah Todd with the No. 31 overall pick on Thursday.  

While the selection was made by the Milwaukee Bucks, it will reportedly be moved to the Wizards via the Indiana Pacers after the Pacers traded for the No. 22 pick, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Charania noted the Wizards will also receive Aaron Holiday from Indiana as part of the deal. 

Below, we break down his scouting report and new roster as he begins his NBA journey.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Isaiah Todd

Position: PF

Height: 6'10"

Pro Comparison: Darius Bazley

Scouting Report: Scouts were impressed by Todd's shot-making and defensive versatility. Though a limited creator, his ability to stretch the floor and switch onto wings could earn him a role.

Wizards Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Bradley Beal, SG: $35.9M (2023)

Davis Bertans, SF: $16M (2025)

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG: $13.04M (2023)*

Kyle Kuzma, PF: $13M (2024)*

Montrezl Harrell, C: $9.72M (2022)*

Thomas Bryant, C: $8.3M (2022)

Rui Hachimura, PF: $4.7M (2023)

Deni Avdija, SF: $4.6M (2024)

Aaron Holiday, PG: $3.98M (2023)

Corey Kispert, G: $2.74M (2025)

Chandler Hutchison, SF: $1.7M (2022)

Daniel Gafford, PF: $1.5M (2023)

Anthony Gill, PF: $1.2M (2022)

Caleb Homesley, SG: $1.1M (2024)

Isaiah Todd, PF

*Will be acquired as part of trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Free Agents

Robin Lopez, C: UFA

Ish Smith, PG: UFA

Raul Neto, PG: UFA

Alex Len, C: UFA

Isaac Bonga, SF: RFA

Cassius Winston, PG: RFA

Garrison Mathews, SG: RFA

 

Todd, 19, averaged 12.3 points and 4.9 rebounds for the Ignite this past season, appearing in 15 games (two starts).

He didn't make the same mark in the G League that some of his teammates did. Jalen Green (17.9 PPG), Jonathan Kuminga (15.8 PPG) and Daishen Nix (8.8 PPG) were the other top prospects on the Ignite this past season. 

The Wizards already got Corey Kispert out of Gonzaga in the first round. Todd is a low-risk, high-reward option for the team at this point in the draft. 

The Washington Wizards selected Gonzaga star Corey Kispert with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. 

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Corey Kispert

Position: PG/SG

Height: 6'4"

Pro Comparison: Joe Harris

Scouting Report: Scout see Kispert as the draft's best shooter with a quick release and shot-making skills to drill jumpers off movement. He doesn't create, but he's lethal from deep and excellent in transition with a high IQ in the half court.

Wizards Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

Bradley Beal, SG: $35.9M (2023)

Davis Bertans, SF: $16M (2025)

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG: $13.04M (2023)*

Kyle Kuzma, PF: $13M (2024)*

Montrezl Harrell, C: $9.72M (2022)*

Thomas Bryant, C: $8.3M (2022)

Rui Hachimura, PF: $4.7M (2023)

Deni Avdija, SF: $4.6M (2024)

Corey Kispert, G: $2.74M (2025)

Chandler Hutchison, SF: $1.7M (2022)

Daniel Gafford, PF: $1.5M (2023)

Anthony Gill, PF: $1.2M (2022)

Caleb Homesley, SG: $1.1M (2024)

*Will be acquired as part of trade with the Los Angeles Lakers, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Free Agents

Robin Lopez, C: UFA

Ish Smith, PG: UFA

Raul Neto, PG: UFA

Alex Len, C: UFA

Isaac Bonga, SF: RFA

Cassius Winston, PG: RFA

Garrison Mathews, SG: RFA

The 6'7" forward was a consensus first-team All-American and the West Coast Conference Player of the Year as a senior in 2020-21.

The 22-year-old steadily improved over his four seasons with the Zags, going from a role player as a true freshman to being one of the top players in the country. In his final year, he averaged 18.6 points and 5.0 rebounds and shot 52.9 percent from the field.

Gonzaga averaged the most points (91.0 per game) and ranked 44th in three-point percentage (36.8). Part of that success was owed to Kispert, who connected on 2.8 three-pointers per game and shot 44.0 percent from beyond the arc.

The Wizards received good news on Thursday when Marcus Thompson of The Athletic reported Bradley Beal plans to stay with the team to start next season. 

Beal's apparent commitment gave general manager Tommy Sheppard the ability to build around his star guard. Kispert is an experienced college player who should be ready to step in as a contributor right away to help the Wizards get back to the playoffs next season. 

After a first-round playoff exit, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to make a huge splash in the trade market leading up to the draft. 

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers are nearing a deal for Russell Westbrook, one that would send Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick to Washington.

The Lakers are near a deal to acquire Washington's Russell Westbrook for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021

Per Wojnarowski, one reason the Wizards want to make this trade is to appeal to Bradley Beal since it creates cap flexibility for them to add talent around him in the future.  

Wojnarowski added the draft compensation is the main topic of discussion at this point as the two sides work toward finalizing terms of the trade:

Discussions toward a completed deal are largely centered on the draft compensation that would return to Wizards in the trade — whether deal includes Lakers 22nd overall pick tonight or perhaps second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/FV78eXb1Wh

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021

B/R's Jake Fischer added the expectation is the Lakers-Wizards deal may not be finalized until after the start of the league year, and "it could even be finalized as a larger, multi-team deal during free agency."

Per Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, Beal is "opting to stay" with the Wizards. 

Westbrook's fit with this Lakers roster will certainly be worth keeping an eye on. LeBron James is going to be their primary ball-handler as long as he is healthy. 

While there's still plenty of time for the front office to make further additions, it seemed like the main targets for the Lakers this offseason would be shooters. They ranked 21st in the NBA last season with a 35.4 three-point percentage. 

Three-point shooting has never been the strength of Westbrook's game, though he is still a valuable offensive player in other ways. The nine-time All-Star has averaged a triple-double in four of the past five seasons. 

The Lakers could try to play with James and Westbrook as their two primary ball-handlers who take turns attacking the rim and setting up Anthony Davis. 

Washington will have some quality depth around Beal and financial flexibility when the deal is finalized. Westbrook's $44.2 million salary in 2021-22 is around $9 million more than Kuzma, Caldwell-Pope and Harrell will earn combined next season. 

Westbrook also has a $47.1 million player option for 2022-23. Harrell will become a free agent after next season, and Caldwell-Pope's deal for 2022-23 is only partially guaranteed at $4.888 million. 

The Lakers were in the market for another guard with Dennis Schroder set to become a free agent. Westbrook will fill that void when this deal becomes official, but there could be more work ahead for general manager Rob Pelinka.    

Washington Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said Wednesday neither Bradley Beal nor his representation has requested a trade.

Sheppard told reporters he feels there are free agents who would "love" to play with Beal and Russell Westbrook next season.

B/R's Jake Fischer reported Beal was considering making a trade request ahead of Thursday's NBA draft.

Beal's future in Washington has been the source of speculation for years, due in large part to the team's continued inability to build a contender. However, Beal has never requested a trade and in fact signed an extension that kicks in this season—albeit one that gives him the option of becoming a free agent next summer.

Beal's impending free agency has created a sense of urgency that did not previously exist. If Beal plans to leave a year from now, the Wizards need to act immediately and begin shopping the All-Star guard.

It could be argued that the Wizards would be better off long-term making a move now rather than continuing to kick the can down the road. The team has no obvious path toward the type of improvement that would have it slated as a serious contender. Contracts for Westbrook and Beal take up a significant portion of their cap, and Washington has nothing in the way of especially promising young players on the rise.

Westbrook, traded three times in as many offseasons, does not have significant trade value. 

Beal is the only player on the roster who could truly kickstart a seemingly necessary rebuild in Washington. 

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal is reportedly upset with the team over a lack of input in its recent coaching search, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.

Beal's top choice was reportedly Sam Cassell, who is currently an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers and previously spent time on the Wizards staff, but he never got a second interview. The team instead hired Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr., who also worked as an assistant for Washington.

B/R's Jake Fischer reported Saturday that Beal is weighing whether to request a trade prior to Thursday's NBA draft. Katz listed the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks as potential destinations for Beal if the Wizards do entertain trade offers for him.

Katz reported that "a verdict on whether or not he will choose to stay with the Wizards could come as soon as this week."

The 28-year-old has previously showed loyalty to the Wizards despite the team's struggles. The three-time All-Star finished second in the NBA with 31.3 points per game this past season, his second straight year averaging at least 30 points, but the rest of the team hasn't lived up to this standard.

Washington reached the playoffs in 2020-21 as the No. 8 seed in the East, but at 34-38, the squad still had a losing record for the third straight year. Even with Russell Westbrook also in the backcourt, the team appears far from title contention.

Beal still appreciates his role within the organization, as he told Katz in March:

Not many guys could say who they want on their team. Not many guys have the opportunity to have the team build around them. So, you can’t just overlook those things. And then the commitment that you make to the city, the commitment that you make to the community, to your team, those things carry weight.

Not getting the final say on the coaching hire might have changed his opinion, however. It could be enough for Beal to see what life is like with another team before potentially hitting free agency in 2022.

The Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are all among the teams that could target Bradley Beal if he becomes available via trade.

Fred Katz of The Athletic identified those teams as "in the mix" in the event Beal requests a trade, which remains a distinct possibility this offseason. Beal can become a free agent next summer and may desire a change of location that would better allow him to compete for a championship.

It's fair to question whether the Wizards would be better off moving Beal and beginning a full-scale rebuild. Washington hasn't gotten past the second round in Beal's career and has three straight below-.500 seasons.

There is no obvious path toward an improvement, either, with Russell Westbrook, Davis Bertans and Beal eating up nearly all of the Wizards' cap space. The contracts of Westbrook and Bertans make them difficult to trade, and Washington certainly wouldn't add any difference-makers that would improve the outlook for next season.

By contrast, moving on from Beal and beginning what's seemed like an inevitable rebuild for years may be the prudent call. The Wizards would command multiple draft picks and young players in trade talks, the type of haul that could catapult a rebuilding effort.

The Sixers and Warriors have the strongest trade packages of the teams listed. Philadelphia's package would begin with Ben Simmons, the best young star available on the trade market, and may include promising young pieces like Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle, along with picks.

If the Wizards don't want to rebuild around Simmons, they could easily create a three-team deal that nets them two or perhaps even three future first-round picks.

The Warriors have picks Nos. 7 and 14 in Thursday's draft, along with 2020 No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins to offer in a trade package. While Wiseman's star isn't as bright after a difficult rookie season, that type of deal could be intriguing given the depth of talent in Thursday's draft.

It's hard to find a trade package the Heat or Hawks could offer that matches up with Philly or Golden State.

The Golden State Warriors reportedly "want a star" like the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard or Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal, but those trade pursuits may have to wait until after the 2021 NBA draft on Thursday night.

Substack's Marc Stein reported Friday on Chad Ford's NBA Big Board podcast the Warriors have assets, including the Nos. 7 and 14 overall picks in the draft, but it's unclear whether that draft capital is enough to land a player the caliber of Lillard or Beal.

"Are either one of those guys really in play at this draft? It's probably more Lillard than Beal at this point, but I just think the draft might come a step too soon for either one of those guys to be dealt," Stein said. 

The Warriors want to ensure their championship window quickly reopens with Klay Thompson preparing to reunite with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green next season after missing the last two years because of ACL and Achilles injuries.

Adding a superstar like Lillard or Beal would provide a far greater boost to those efforts than the prospects they'd be able to take in the draft, even with two picks in the lottery of a rock-solid class.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers played coy in June when asked if he planned to add two rookies to the roster with those selections:

It depends. If that's the best thing to do, that's what we'll do. But it depends. Some guys are older that can help you more and there are young guys, young guys that can help you. But then you weigh it against what you can do with those picks, and I have no idea right now what we can do with 14 or seven or them together, and I'm sure we'll find out and make the best decision we can.

Waiting until after the draft would complicate a blockbuster trade, however, because the draft picks are among the team's most valuable assets. If they return to a title-contending level, their future selections will be toward the latter stages of the first round and carry less value.

Andrew Wiggins and James Wiseman are the other roster players who could attract interest, while a Kelly Oubre Jr. sign-and-trade deal is another option.

It's also possible the Dubs could flip the prospects they take in the draft to either the Blazers or Wizards later in the offseason, but there are obviously complications with that since the other team would have to like the player the Warriors took on draft night.

Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that Golden State's chances of pulling off a blockbuster trade would "plummet" if the framework of a deal isn't in place before the draft.

The question may become whether the Warriors would be willing to move this year's picks for a veteran player who isn't quite on the same level as Lillard and Beal if it becomes clear they won't be able to land either of those marquee names before the draft.

All told, the high number of variable in play makes Golden State perhaps the most enticing team to watch leading up to Thursday night.

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly looking to add a third Splash Brother.

Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic reported the Warriors plan to make a significant push to trade for Bradley Beal should he request a trade from the Washington Wizards.

Despite finding his name in near-constant trade rumors over the last two years, Beal has maintained he has no plans to request a trade. However, Beal can become a free agent after next season, and the Wizards have no obvious path at title contention.

It's possible, if not likely, the Wizards and Beal come to a mutual understanding it's best to part ways over the next 12 months. 

The Warriors could make an interesting offer to Washington that includes Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, the Nos. 7 and 14 selections in the 2021 draft, along with a future selection or two. That package alone should be enough to pique interest from the Wizards—or any team looking to deal an All-Star.

Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have reportedly been pushing management to use those two picks to trade for a win-now veteran rather than add more rookies to the veteran-laden team. Wiseman was mostly a nonfactor as a rookie this season and suffered a torn meniscus that cost him nearly half the campaign.

Beal could also be insurance in case Thompson struggles in his return from injuries. Thompson has missed the last two seasons, first with a torn ACL and then with an Achilles tear. It's unlikely he is back in the lineup by opening night, and he'll undoubtedly be brought along slowly once he does return.

At the very least, it's looking increasingly likely the Warriors make a major move this offseason. 

If the Los Angeles Lakers have their way, Russell Westbrook will be coming home next season.

Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated reported Wednesday that Los Angeles had discussions about a sign-and-trade that would send Dennis Schroder, Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker to Washington for Westbrook.

It's unclear if the potential trade has gained traction or if it's simply something the Lakers are discussing internally. Signing and trading Schroder seems like a foregone conclusion, even if it's just an avenue to acquire a trade exception.

Adding Westbrook to the mix, however, feels like it would be better in NBA 2K than real life.

For all his excellent traits, Westbrook is not effective unless he's in command of the offense. Defenses do not respect his jumper and sag off him when he plays off the ball—and for good reason. Only 11.1 percent of Westbrook's shots this season came on catch-and-shoot opportunities, and he shot an abysmal 34.8 percent on those chances.

Westbrook's partnership with James Harden and the Houston Rockets did not work in large part because the pair essentially abandoned all forms of cogent offense for a series of isolations. Each player needed the ball in their hands to make their greatest impact, and it led to a lot of standing around for their teammates.

In case you have not noticed: This was Year 18 of LeBron James' being very much in control of his teams. Even in past situations wherein coaches (and James himself) have spoken about James playing off the ball, those plans rarely stuck. Part of the reason Schroder was an oil-water mix with the Lakers is that he's most effective when he handles the ball, especially when he can do so while leading a secondary unit.

The Lakers' top requirement for a veteran point guard to pair with James and Anthony Davis is surely knocking down catch-and-shoot jumpers in addition to leading the offense when LeBron needs a break. Westbrook does not fit the bill.