NBA fans are awaiting news of a blockbuster deal as the 2018 NBA draft approaches, but they should also be prepared to hear Marcin Gortat is on the move.
Ben Mehic of Bullets Forever reports there’s a “good chance” the Washington Wizards center is traded soon, and a deal could happen as early as draft night.
https://twitter.com/BenMehicNBA/status/1009798050162847745
Gortat has spent the last five seasons in Washington, appearing in 402 regular-season and 40 playoffs games.
But in 2017-18, his role shrunk to 25.3 minutes per contest. Gortat averaged 8.4 points and 7.3 rebounds, all of which were the lowest numbers of his career since becoming a rotational player for the Phoenix Suns in 2010-11.
According to HoopsHype, Gortat is due $13.6 million next season in the final year of his contract. Moving his contract would allow the Wizards to get below the luxury-tax line.
Washington could either attach the No. 15 overall pick to move slightly back in the draft or use the No. 44 selection to simply dump his salary. A team with cap space, such as the Dallas Mavericks or Phoenix Suns, could be interested in that route.
Gortat won’t be a flashy addition, but he’s a competent center and won’t affect the timeline of a rebuilding team.