Trade targets: All 30 teams
Washington Wizards
Record: 23-27
10th place in East
Status: Buyers/sellers
The injury-addled Wizards have fallen short of expectations and could miss the playoffs altogether. However, with better second-half health -- and a key addition -- Washington is capable of making a run. In the big picture, the Wizards have a non-zero chance of enticing D.C. native Kevin Durant to return to his hometown this summer.
The odds of attracting Durant, however microscopic, might represent the best chance for the Wizards to win a championship anytime soon. Bradley Beal hits restricted free agency this summer, and his $14 million cap hold means GM Ernie Grunfeld can't tie up long-term cap space and still accommodate a max offer to Durant.
As Grunfeld positions the Wizards for what he hopes will be his 14th season running the team, this might be his biggest challenge yet.
Potential trade targets
Ryan Anderson
The Wizards' most obvious area for upgrade is power forward. Considering they can't take on long-term money, Anderson's expiring deal makes sense. Sending a couple short-termers, such as Kris Humphries and Alan Anderson, to New Orleans works financially, but the Pelicans would require a significant sweetener. That would have to come in the form of a first-round pick or rookie Kelly Oubre.
But can you envision Wall breaking down a defense with Anderson popping out to the arc on one side and Beal spotting up on the other?
Joe Johnson
To be clear: It's unlikely the Wizards can absorb Johnson's massive, expiring contract in a trade. That would involve bundling about half the Washington roster. However, if Johnson accepts a buyout from the Nets, he could help Washington for the stretch run, which would allow Otto Porter to log heavy minutes at 4 in a spread lineup.
Most trade value
1. John Wall
Wall is an upper-echelon player just entering his prime, and he is locked down for the next three seasons. He's the franchise.
2. Bradley Beal
Beal's chronic leg problems are a huge concern, for both the Wizards and any team looking to deal for him. Nevertheless, his upside might well be worth the risk as he enters restricted free agency.
3. Otto Porter Jr.
Porter is still growing as a player, but his versatility to swing between forward spots and potential as a two-way performer remain attractive.
4. Marcin Gortat
This hasn't been a banner season for Gortat, given the Wizards' drop-off on the defensive end. Still, he's a plus rebounder and efficient scorer on a reasonable contract. He could start for a lot of teams.
5. Kelly Oubre
The injuries have at times forced Oubre to play more than the Wizards would have liked, but his athleticism and the early returns on his 3-point shooting are promising -- and he's in the first year of his rookie contract.
6. Jared Dudley
Dudley has popped up as a target in a lot of these pieces for a reason. He's a great locker room guy, he can spot up from deep, and he provides impact defense from both frontcourt spots. Plus, his expiring contract ($4.4 million) is a bargain. He'd be a key component on pretty much any contending team.
Most valuable draft pick
2016 first-rounder
Washington holds all of its own first-round picks, and the Wizards' selection this year could end up in the lottery. Heck, if the bad injury luck continues, this pick might end up being the Wizards' best avenue to acquiring a franchise talent this summer.
Toughest contract to trade
Nene
Nene's $13 million, expiring deal is pricey for a rent-a-player whose availability is spotty. Nene remains a solid player when he plays, but there are surer bets in the rental market, which isn't expected to be all that active anyway.
Player most likely to be traded
Gary Neal
With Washington scrambling for healthy bodies, it doesn't seem like Grunfeld can afford to trade anybody. But he is active at the deadline every year. If Beal stays on the court and Alan Anderson returns, Neal could be superfluous, and he generally does not enjoy being superfluous.