The Washington Wizards were beginning to show some life before their recent skid. They have lost four consecutive games and six of their last seven, but they could be surprise buyers as we head toward the NBA trade deadline and subsequent buyout market.
Washington is currently 14-24, three games out of a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. They are in an awkward position, as they can’t rebuild with Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal on the roster. Given the current state of the rest of the roster, they aren’t contenders either.
However, if they were to sneak into the play-in games, that duo is enough to win one or two games to make the playoff field. According to Fred Katz and David Aldridge of the subscription-based The Athletic, Washington is monitoring situations to improve their roster as well.
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The Wizards, via The Athletic, are keeping an eye on the situation involving the Cleveland Cavaleirs and Andre Drummond should he be bought out. While Washington is monitoring things, it is fair to wonder if the feeling is mutual.
Washington does present the clearest path to consistent playing time, as Thomas Bryant is out for the season, leaving Moritz Wagner and Alex Len as the starting center options. However, would Drummond choose the Wizards and playing time over contending teams vying for a championship such as the Los Angeles Lakers or Brooklyn Nets?
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There are also rumors that the New York Knicks are mulling over a multi-year deal to offer Drummond, something that he could be intrigued by as well. Unlike the other teams mentioned, though, New York has capable depth at center already on the roster and while they are having a good season, aren’t true contenders yet.
On the season, Andre Drummond is averaging a robust 17.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks in 28.9 minutes per game. He has not played since February 12th as he has been away from the team as they figure out whether he will be traded or bought out.
