Michael Winger, new No. 1 in the Washington Wizards’ Front Office, has stated several times that he has received carte blanche from the owners to plan the future of the team.
Among the possibilities at stake there is also that of a total rebuilding, selling the most important players to accumulate future assets.
Second The Athleticaround the NBA several insiders believe that the capital team will eventually rebuild.
For his part, Winger seems to be discussing in full honesty the path that awaits him at the helm of the ‘wizards’.
“The plain truth is that I haven’t yet come up with an immediate vision for the franchise. There are many talented players and personalities in the team. I want to get to know them a little. Building a team isn’t just about what you show up on the pitch. It’s not just a matter of points or rebounds. Team dynamics are personal and I think I need to understand them before making a plan.
Then surely the question is, “Are you going to trade Bradley Beal? Will you keep Brad? I do not know. I would like to meet Brad. I haven’t met him yet…. What will you do with KP? What will you do with Kuzma? I do not know. All three have the power to choose what to do (player option for Porzingis and Kuzma, no trade clause for Beal). So what I want to do is get to know these guys. If our visions align to get back to being competitive, doing things right and with a little patience, then there is surely another way forward with them.
“I don’t think we will become a contender anytime soon, I’m pretty sure of that. And so, if they’d rather aim to win right away, then they’ll probably have to do it somewhere else. I think we will have a very honest dialogue, to talk about the future of the team in the short and long term.”