Washington Wizards, Otto Porter, not able to make a deal after meeting

The Washington Wizards’ top priority once NBA free agency started was re-signing Otto Porter, however after meeting with him, the two were unable to make a deal.

The Washington Wizards’ top priority once NBA free agency started was re-signing Otto Porter, however after meeting with him, the two were reportedly unable to make a deal, according to David Aldridge on Twitter.

As Aldridge mentioned, the Wizards have reportedly said that they will match any offer sent Porter’s way, so it still seems likely that Porter will remain in Washington, however being able to strike a deal at the beginning of free agency would’ve likely saved the Wizards a bit of money.

From Porter’s perspective, it makes sense for him to test free agency, because it’s really a win-win scenario for him. Either the Wizards have to match an aggressive offer from another team to retain him, or Porter goes to another team and makes more money, and considering the year Porter had last year, he’s going to be a sought-after player.

In fact, there has been talk that the Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers are all willing to offer Porter large contracts, and if the Wizards and Porter can’t make a deal soon, it’s going to cost Washington a lot of money.

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

As one NBA GM told Sporting News’  Sean Deveney, “If his situation goes past the first couple of days of free agency, it will cost them because some of these teams that have space and miss out on the players they have in mind to start with are going to move quickly to the restricted [free agents]. And Otto Porter is going to be at the top of that list, even at $100 million.”

Porter really came into his own last year, showing the world why he was picked at No. 3 overall in 2013. He finished last season averaging 13.4 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 1.5 steals game, while shooting 51.6% from the floor, and 43.4% from three-point land. Every single one of those averages and percentages were career-highs for the 24-year-old.

There were talks for a while that the Wizards were willing to send Porter to the Indiana Pacers in a sign-and-trade deal to acquire Paul George, however right after free agency started, George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

Next: Wizards Offer Wall Four-Year, $168M Extension

Now that George is no longer an option, it seems likely that the Washington Wizards are going to be very aggressive in attempting to retain Porter for this upcoming season, as he was vital to their success last year, and will be a key piece if this team wants to contend for a championship next season.