The Wizards (5-11) are open for business.
John Wall and Bradley Beal are the big names in trade talks, but how about Otto Porter?
There are whispers that New Orleans is interested in Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr.
The Pelicans badly need an upgrade at small forward, and Porter – who has at least somewhat fallen out of favor in Washington – fits the bill. He’s an ideal role player – an excellent 3-point shooter and solid defensively when not overmatched defensively. He could become more assertive, but part of his value lies in his ability to blend. On a team with superstar Anthony Davis, complementary skills are important.
The catch: Porter is earning $26,011,913 this season then due $55,739,815 the next two years.
He’s overpaid, but he can still play. New Orleans, trying to impress Davis before offering him a super-max extension next summer, might view Porter as an acceptable risk. Especially if the Pelicans can unload overpaid Solomon Hill in a trade.
Washington could accept Hill and another player or two and even escape the luxury tax this season. The Wizards would surely want positive-value players and/or picks, too.
There seems to be a middle ground where a Porter trade appeals to both teams. The big question: Can Washington and New Orleans find it?
