At the end of the 2014-15 regular season, there was a lot doubt regarding the future of Paul Pierce. He walked off the court following a loss to the Atlanta Hawks and told the media he was uncertain about wanting to play basketball again. That fell into doubt even more when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Washington Wizard. However, Pierce simply left for the Los Angeles Clippers leaving the Wizards empty handed.
Pierce opted to reunite with former head coach Doc Rivers with a three-year, $10.6 million contract. The small forward opted to try and win a championship out west instead of in the easier Eastern Conference with the Wizards. So where does Washington go from here as they are really aiming to make their move in free agency next season.
According to the Washington Post, the Wizards are trying to be smart this offseason as they intend to chase Kevin Durant in 2016. The Oklahoma City star is preparing to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. He has made no hints as to what his future will be in terms of returning to the Thunder or heading elsewhere. The Wizards are operating on pure speculation at this point, hoping that Durant wants to pull a "coming home" move like LeBron James.
However, the Wizard's preparation for Durant is factoring into the moves they make this year. The Wizards have enough money in mid-level exceptions and trade exceptions to make a few roster moves while still maintaining financial flexibility next year. According to Jorge Castillo of the Post is reporting that instead of signing a marquee small forward, Otto Porter Jr. will take over Pierce's role on the team. Drew Gooden III could be the best option to re-sign right away in order to be able replicate the pick-and-roll success with Marcin Gortat.
The last move the Wizards want is defensive help. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Wizards are trying to trade Nene realizing he is on the downfall of his career. The team could make moves for free agents like Corey Brewer, Marco Belinelli and Omri Casspi.
The Wizards are approaching with caution. They have Bradley Beal needing a new contract as he is expected to command a top-dollar deal. CSN Washington is reporting the Wizards are beginning talks on that deal and expect a contract done by October. Porter has multiple team options remaining in his contract. All of this will factor into Durant next season.