Washington Wizards: John Wall extension top offseason priority
By Ben Palmer
The Washington Wizards have stated that signing All-NBA point guard John Wall to an extension is their top offseason priority.
The Washington Wizards have stated that signing All-NBA point guard John Wall to an extension is their top priority this offseason. The team hasn’t reached out to Wall yet, but they’ve said that they expect to have extension talks this summer. Wall is eligible for the Designated Veteran Player Extension.
Wall, a four-time All Star, was named to his first All-NBA team this year after playing the best season of his career, and leading the Wizards to the furthest point they’ve been in the NBA Playoffs for some time.
Back in 2013, Wall signed a five-year, $80 million extension and has two years left on his deal. Wall had the best season of his career in the 2016-17 season, averaging career-highs in points (23.1), assists (10.7), steals (2.0) and shooting percentage (45.1%).
More from Washington Wizards
- Washington Wizards Officially Introduce Dwight Howard (Video)
- Washington Wizards Could Be Landing Spot for Dwight Howard
- Washington Wizards Trade Marcin Gortat to Clippers
- Washington Wizards Final NBA Mock Draft Roundup: First-Round Picks
- Washington Wizards 2018 NBA Draft Scouting Profile: Robert Williams
Unfortunately, Wall and the Washington Wizards were unable to get past the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, making it all the way to Game 7 until the Celtics overcame the Wizards.
The Wizards have a lot to do this offseason, as we’ve discussed, which includes dealing with the fact that Otto Porter is going to be a free agent. Porter had the best season of his career this past year as he averaged 13.4 points per game and shot 51.6% from the field, including an excellent 43.4% from three-point range.
He’s coming off of his rookie contract and he’s destined for a good payday, deservedly so. So the Wizards have to figure out what they’re doing with him, whether they’re going to give him the money he’s going to want, or let him go somewhere else.
The salary cap this year is expected to be $101 million, which gives the Wizards a little bit of flexibility. That being said, they already have large contracts with Bradley Beal and Marcin Gortat, and a relatively large one with Ian Mahinmi.
Next: Should the Ravens pursue Victor Cruz?
There have been rumors that the Wizards may trade Gortat to off-load his salary, if that’s the case, then the Wizards might have the cap room to sign both Wall and Porter to long-term deals. If not, the Wizards may have to choose between the two.