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The Washington Wizards have been making upgrades here and there this off-season, and as they’ve been trying to put themselves in position to hopefully sign star free agent Kevin Durant in the summer of 2016 they’re also trying to prove they can make a run at a championship.
The Wizards have made smaller acquisitions to fill out their bench with players like Gary Neal, Jared Dudley, Alan Anderson and rookie Kelly Oubre which will help contribute to the Wizards.
The team’s main trade chip is veteran Nene Hilario who has an expiring $13 million deal on the books which the Wizards tested the waters in trying to move, but it’s tougher than it seems.
The Wizards want to keep as much cap space open to give themselves a chance to land the D.C. native next off-season but the team did try (and rightfully so) to move the big man.
CSNwashington.com reported earlier this offseason that Nene, who is entering the final year of a deal that pays him $13 million, didn’t draw any interest in the trade market and isn’t likely to be moved before the start of the 2015-16 season. If he is eventually moved with that expiring deal, that’s more likely to happen near the February trade deadline but if they allow his size to leave they’ll want size in return. Being injury-prone is a recurring issue, but the Wizards like him, and they’ll need him to get past the Chicago Bulls or Cleveland Cavaliers in the postseason.
If the team is struggling come trade deadline time I can see the Wizards trying to move Nene, but they’ll also keep tabs on what their cap situation will look like the following season.
Nene Hilario has averaged 12 points per game and 6 rebounds in his 13 year career, but has struggled with his share of injuries some like the testicular tumor out of his control and some just bad-luck when he’s healthy though he’s provided the Nuggets and Wizards with a good level of production.
Outside of Oklahoma City I think the Washington Wizards have the best chance to land Durant, but the Wizards will have no shortage of competition come summer 2016.
For right now the Wizards are holding onto Nene Hilario and don’t be surprised if he’s on the team for the 2015-2016 season.
