The Washington Wizards would like to make one marquee signing this offseason as players like Paul Pierce might not be returning. Having a top backcourt with John Wall and Bradley Beal certainly makes the Wizards a desirable landing spots for free agents and the team intends to use that in their power. So could Kevin Love be a top priority for the team in 2015?
There is a very real possibility that Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers are headed for a breakup. The Akron Beacon Journal reports the forward wants a max contract and Cleveland might not be able to give that to him if they intend on hanging Tristan Thompson the same thing. Love has also struggled to fit into the Big 3 of the Cavaliers and might opt out of his contract for a different situation.
According to TNT NBA analyst David Aldridge, the Washington Wizards would be an ideal spot for Love to land, but it could be determined by what Paul Pierce does. The Washington Post reports that the Wizards are waiting to see if Pierce opts in on his $5.5 million option as teams like the Los Angeles Clippers are calling for the veteran to head west. If Pierce is out, Love could easily be in.
Aldridge believes the Wizards should not wait around to see if Kevin Durant plans on signing with them in 2016. He believes Love is a solid option to get the team wins immediately. "They should attack now, and think big. Washington has $20 million in potential trade bait available. Nene's contract expires in '16, and Martell Webster and DeJuan Blair have team options for 2016-17 - in essence, making their contracts expirings for next season as well. So why not take a run at, say, Kevin Love?," Aldridge said, via the Washington Post.
Love's future is unknown as he has given no hints to what his mindset is regarding his contract. Washington has been linked to other free agent options should Pierce be out. DeAndre Jordan, Greg Monroe and Marc Gasol have been mentioned as options in free agency. The Post reports that Wall is in favor of getting Durant onto the Wizards. Washington will not be able to have both considering Bradley Beal will be owed a contract next season and will be getting a max contract. That will cause Washington to make some tough calls over the next two years if they intend on keeping Beal around.