Things continue to unravel for the Washington Wizards.
All-Star point guard John Wall was reportedly fined by the team after unloading a verbal barrage on head coach Scott Brooks during a recent practice, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wall reportedly told the coach "f--- you," after he and teammate Jeff Green pushed the guard and his teammates to "raise the level of intensity" in a practice last week, league sources told Wojnarowski.
Wall reportedly apologized to Brooks shortly afterward, as well as his teammates the next day, league sources confirmed. There has been an obvious disconnect between the franchise point guard and his teammates as the Wizards have struggled early in the 2018-19 season, with a 5-11 record through their first 16 games.
On Monday, ESPN reported that Washington was willing to hear trade offers for Wall and fellow All-Star guard Bradley Beal, as the franchise is in total "firesale" mode.
According to Wojnarowski's sources, the Wizards still prefer to build their roster around both players, but poor play among key teammates have hindered their trade value, making it difficult to improve a roster with terrible chemistry.
Washington has resisted making any trades involving Wall or Beal in previous discussions, including potential deals for All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, league sources confirmed. However, it's becoming increasingly likely that a move involving either or both players could happen soon.
The Wizards have reportedly attempted to shop forwards Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre in an effort to pair the backcourt duo of Wall and Beal with an impactful third star, however, have received minimal interest. Porter still has three years remaining on a deal in which he is owed $81 million.
Brooks criticized his team following two consecutive home losses to the Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trail Blazers this past weekend.
"We got to just play with more enthusiasm, more effort, more energy," Brooks told reporters on Sunday night. "It's embarrassing."
Beal could garner even more interest than Wall on the trade market given his 3-point shooting ability, a more manageable contract and that he's three years younger than the point guard.
Wall's contract extension begins in 2019-20 and will pay an average of $42 million annually for four years and will also include a 15 percent trade kicker.
The five-time All-Star has spent his entire career with the Wizards after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
