Here’s how the Spurs and Wizards could work together to bring Hachimura to San Antonio, and whether or not the deal would benefit either team.
The San Antonio Spurs swing on Wizards forward Rui Hachimura in this pre-deadline trade
- Read also: Would the Knicks accept a trade involving Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier with the Clippers?
There have been numerous rumors circulating in the weeks leading up to the February 7 NBA trade deadline, with many of them involving the usual suspects from the San Antonio Spurs, including Doug McDermott, Jakob Poeltl, and Josh Richardson.
However, Poeltl has received the most attention recently due to a report by Shams Charania of the Athletic (subscription required) that 27-year-old center Poeltl has drawn “significant interest” from the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics, among others.
The Spurs rarely make deals with other Western Conference teams, but that hasn’t stopped them from negotiating with teams in the Eastern Conference. The Warriors and Clippers could use a center upgrade, but if history is any indication, Spurs fans should keep an eye out for any trade possibilities coming out of the East. The Washington Wizards are the wildcard team that could make a late-game trade move.
The Wizards have started trade talks centered on Rui Hachimura, potentially clearing a logjam at forward, sources tell me and @JoshuaBRobbins.
More details, including what this could mean for Kyle Kuzma, at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/g6d34NVTCB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 18, 2023
For some time now, the Wizards’ two forward spots have been crowded by Deni Avdija, Rui Hachimura, Corey Kispert, and Kyle Kuzma, all of whom are vying for playing time. Kristaps Porzingis, who has been the Wizards’ starting center for the majority of the season, could also be included in that debate if you consider him to be more of a power forward.
It was clear that a tough decision would have to be made about the future of the team, and it seems that Hachimura has been singled out.
The Spurs have not been seriously linked to many players in trade talks this season because they are clearly more interested in building their draft stock than in acquiring established players. However, the possibility of acquiring Hachimura, who is only 24 years old, for the right price may start to turn heads in the Spurs front office.
