Rui Hachimura

Hachimura, 24, is in his fourth season with the Wizards since being selected No. 9 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. A native of Toyama, Japan, Hachimura is ...

The Wizards are also 12th in the East at 20-26. Heading back to Washington will be guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks. The Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers are in agreement on a deal sending forward Rui Hachimura to L.A., according to multiple reports.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the final stages of completing a deal to acquire Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura for a package that includes three .

9 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga. Hachimura can be a restricted free agent. ESPN's insider also writes that Hachimura and the Wizards were unable to agree on a rookie extension prior to the season and trade became more likely as Kyle Kuzma solidified himself as a priority to sign a long-term deal in Washington frontcourt. The Lakers traded for Hachimura with the intention of signing him to an extension this summer, according to Wojnarowski. The trade is expected to be completed this afternoon, via the reports. [Los Angeles Lakers](https://basketnews.com/teams/357-los-angeles-lakers.html) are in the final stages of completing a deal to acquire [Washington Wizards](https://basketnews.com/teams/720-washington-wizards.html) forward [Rui Hachimura](https://basketnews.com/players/23453-rui-hachimura.html) for a package that includes three second-round picks and guard [Kendrick Nunn](https://basketnews.com/players/24328-kendrick-nunn.html), according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Hachimura, who will turn 25 on Feb. 8, is averaging 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 30 games.

[Knicks](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/knicks/), and until they convey that pick to New York, they can’t trade any of their own future firsts to anyone else until 2028. [LeBron James](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/lebron-james-dxRvkEThnxpMbhcr/) and [Anthony Davis](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/anthony-davis-YhDofdcmUKoYKV18/), and he’s still just 24. [NBA](https://theathletic.com/nba/) career he had in two seasons (2019-21) with [Miami](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/heat/). [Kyle Kuzma](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kyle-kuzma-7x2ASMz0sv4qdd7u/), was among the difficult decisions the Wizards had to make as the trade deadline approaches on Feb. Also: Hachimura seemed to benefit from the tough love of [Russell Westbrook](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/russell-westbrook-6Eb0XPY16UzzJWbc/) during Westbrook’s one season in Washington, in 2020-21. The potential hidden value from the Lakers is in the three second-round picks Washington got for Hachimura. Extinguishing that obligation sooner rather than later would allow the Wizards to aggregate future firsts sooner in potential trades for a top-shelf wing or point guard. With Washington determined to try and re-sign Kuzma this summer, Hachimura had little chance of getting a lucrative deal from the Wizards on his own. But there’s a logjam of guards in front of him at both spots in D.C. Wes Unseld, Jr., says Rui Hachimura was excused from practice today for personal reasons. Kuzma will not sign an extension and has a $13 million player option for next season that he expects to decline. Here’s what you need to know:

Things came to a head over the weekend, when Hachimura said he wasn't sure if he wanted to be traded. "I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball ...

So has [Bojan Bogdanovic](/nba/players/1831131/bojan-bogdanovic/). [Kyle Kuzma](/nba/players/2842826/kyle-kuzma/) has been discussed as a possibility. The Lakers have thus far solved that problem with the extremely undersized [Patrick Beverley](/nba/players/1685200/patrick-beverley/). If the Wizards can't create an internal support system for them soon, any facade of competitiveness this team hoped to maintain will fade quickly, and when it does, developing the young players they draft at the top of the lottery is going to be their only way of escaping the bottom of the standings. [Troy Brown Jr.](/nba/players/2938055/troy-brown-jr/), a 6-foot-6 wing who started his career as a guard, has played nearly half of his minutes at power forward. [LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/) and [Anthony Davis](/nba/players/1992786/anthony-davis/) have both missed a meaningful amount of time, and both were essential in defending opposing forwards. [based on listed heights](https://en.hispanosnba.com/teams/comparison), the shortest team in the [NBA](/nba/) this season. The Lakers need a great trade to get into the championship picture. Hachimura is averaging 13.0 points and 4.3 rebounds on 33.7 percent 3-point shooting this season and matched a season-high with 30 points against the [Magic](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/ORL/orlando-magic/) on Saturday. Last season, they found [Stanley Johnson](/nba/players/2152248/stanley-johnson/) on the scrap heap and got meaningful production. "I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player, and I want to be somewhere that likes my game," he Lately, standout role players [Austin Reaves](/nba/players/2268681/austin-reaves/) and [Lonnie Walker IV](/nba/players/2938054/lonnie-walker-iv/), who have also defended wings, have been out due to injury.

The 2019 lottery pick is clearly a talent upgrade, but how will he fit with LeBron and company out west?

[Kyle Kuzma](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kyle-kuzma-7x2ASMz0sv4qdd7u/) continued to solidify his position on the team and eat up a ton of minutes with his excellent play, it became obvious Hachimura was going to struggle to find a role. [Wenyen Gabriel](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/wenyen-gabriel-r8zgk7urDgmH0hNc/) (in decent minutes) and [Juan Toscano-Anderson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/juan-toscano-anderson-EdadkV0srbvTOjpK/) at the four. [Draymond Green](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/draymond-green-qWchQbJAR0YQNMyV/) as best-case scenario because the [Nikola Jokić](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/nikola-jokic-bCjsyLGuQMrMSWNr/) thing isn’t happening again. The [Lakers](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/lakers/) and [Wizards](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/wizards/) are making the first move, with 2019 top-10 pick [Rui Hachimura](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/rui-hachimura-qzSY3bocNkNzQ2KH/) heading to L.A. In the process of removing a logjam, the Wizards are acquiring three second-round picks. But they could lose him this summer and feel good about getting second-round picks from a team that right now doesn’t project to make those later in the draft any time soon. Losing out on three future second-round picks isn’t a massive loss if he were to leave, and they do have some control, but this feels like they’re just hoping their “program” is the one that unlocks Hachimura’s potential. The Lakers have a bunch of second-round picks to move, so it’s not like they’re completely bare when it comes to that area of the trade-asset pantry. Having [Thomas Bryant](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/thomas-bryant-dq4B2s0HiwRTR3cB/) back and thriving means Davis can play more at the four to preserve his body when he’s back, and there is history/familiarity with Bryant and Hachimura (former teammates) playing alongside each other. Have the Lakers backed themselves into a corner of needing to re-sign him? He’s not much of a defender, but if he can help get this team from 19th in offense to somewhere in the upper half of the league, that’ll be a nice pickup. If you’re able to play him next to [LeBron James](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/lebron-james-dxRvkEThnxpMbhcr/) and Davis at the same time, that’s a potentially good trio of forwards on offense.

The Washington Wizards have traded forward Rui Hachimura to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package of draft picks, multiple people with knowledge of the deal ...

Nunn, 27, never found a consistent and productive role with the Lakers this season after missing the 2021-22 campaign with a knee injury. “He has proven to be a valuable contributor during his young career.” This swap would reunite Hachimura with several former Wizards teammates: Westbrook, with whom he developed [a close relationship in Washington](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/04/02/rui-hachimura-russell-westbrook-tutor/?itid=lk_inline_manual_29), as well as Thomas Bryant and Troy Brown Jr. “Adding both size and depth to the wing position has been a goal, and the chance to accomplish that by acquiring a player with Rui’s two-way skills and upside was an opportunity that doesn’t present itself often,” Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka said. Unseld’s preferred lineup features Daniel Gafford at center and Kristaps Porzingis at power forward, leaving Hachimura and third-year forward Deni Avdija, a lottery pick in 2020, jostling for minutes off the bench. Hachimura addresses a clear need for Los Angeles, which has been seeking size and athleticism on the wing all season. 9 trade deadline approaches, even as Washington has signaled its intention to keep its third-leading scorer, according to multiple people around the league. “We wish him the best as he begins a new chapter in Los Angeles.” Retaining all three players would push Washington close to paying the luxury tax, which owner Ted Leonsis has done only once since taking over the franchise in 2010. [criticized the team’s roster construction](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/10/19/lebron-james-steph-curry/?itid=lk_inline_manual_12) on opening night. With the Hachimura deal, the Lakers were able to add a rotation player without sacrificing one of their two tradable future first-round picks, which could be used to make additional deals before the Feb. 9 pick in the 2019 draft, struggled to fully blossom during four seasons with Washington.

Trade speculation has swirled around Rui Hachimura for weeks. Finally, the former top-10 pick has a new home after the Lakers picked him up in exchange for ...

Wesbtrook even imparted lessons on Hachimura that he could use in the middle of games. Hachimura should benefit from the attention that Westbrook still gets on drives and be able to finish at the basket for easy layups. He was having a renaissance season, in line to be the potential Defensive Player of the Year before injuring his foot on Dec. Davis is one of the best players in the league at cleaning up those types of mistakes. This season, he's hit 74 percent of his shots in the rim, a top-10 mark for forwards in the league. LeBron will get Hachimura the highest-quality looks that he has ever had in his career. While he has great size and length at 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, he isn't particularly good at protecting the rim and can get lost off the ball. Hachimura is an elite midrange shooter that can create his own offense, solving that issue for the Lakers. But when LeBron sits, their offensive rating has dropped to 109.6, which would be the lowest number in the league. Hachimura wasn't getting a ton of those open looks with the Wizards. LeBron is elite at getting out in transition and hitting players cutting to the rim for layups. The Lakers are obviously in desperate need of shooting help.

The Lakers have acquired Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.

It helps you get through the tough times.” For me and my teammates, you appreciate adversity. 9 trade deadline, the Lakers play eight games — six against teams that would currently be in the postseason plus one against the plenty dangerous Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers host San Antonio on Wednesday on the second night of a back-to-back set in the easiest game of the stretch. You can lose to anybody any night. Hachimura is also coming off a game in which he equaled his career high with 30 points in a 138-118 win over Orlando last Saturday. It’s so competitive in this league, you can win any game. Hachimura is kind of a classic “buy low” player. You can beat good teams. [Memphis Grizzlies](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-01-20/lakers-grizzlies-dennis-schroder-comeback-nba-recap) and [Portland Trail Blazers](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-01-22/los-angeles-lakers-portland-trail-blazers-nba-game-recap), coming back from one of the worst quarters in NBA history to steal a win on Sunday in Portland. [LeBron James](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-11-14/75-greatest-lakers-players-lebron-james-place-in-history)’ pursuit of [Kareem Abdul-Jabbar](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-24-sp-1593-story.html) for the all-time scoring record. [The Lakers](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers) — the team whose [trade aspirations](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/newsletter/2023-01-22/lakers-newsletter-trade-deadline-lakers) have been dissected and discussed since the offseason — made a trade Monday, their fans collectively reacting in a singular way.

Hachimura checks a number of vital boxes for a talent-starved roster still hanging around in the playoff race. How exactly will he fit in with Los Angeles' trio ...

Wesbtrook even imparted lessons on Hachimura that he could use in the middle of games. Hachimura should benefit from the attention that Westbrook still gets on drives and be able to finish at the basket for easy layups. He was having a renaissance season, in line to be the potential Defensive Player of the Year before injuring his foot on Dec. Davis is one of the best players in the league at cleaning up those types of mistakes. This season, he's hit 74 percent of his shots in the rim, a top-10 mark for forwards in the league. LeBron will get Hachimura the highest-quality looks that he has ever had in his career. While he has great size and length at 6'8" with a 7'2" wingspan, he isn't particularly good at protecting the rim and can get lost off the ball. Hachimura is an elite midrange shooter that can create his own offense, solving that issue for the Lakers. But when LeBron sits, their offensive rating has dropped to 109.6, which would be the lowest number in the league. Hachimura wasn't getting a ton of those open looks with the Wizards. LeBron is elite at getting out in transition and hitting players cutting to the rim for layups. The Lakers are obviously in desperate need of shooting help.

Les Lakers ont réussi à convaincre les Wizards de lâcher le jeune ailier japonais.

Le départ d'Hachimura était donc voulu pour libérer de la place dans le cap. Ainsi, le japonais sera le premier forward à sortir du banc, avec Davis qui se décale au poste de pivot. Le prix à payer : Kendrick Nunn envoyé dans la capitale, avec trois seconds tours de draft.

Le Japonais Rui Hachimura va quitter Washington pour rejoindre les Lakers. L'ailier (24 ans) arrive à Los Angeles pour aider LeBron James et ses nouveaux ...

L'ailier reste sur un match à 30 points face à Orlando, son record en carrière, pour sa dernière avec la franchise de la capitale. À 24 ans, Hachimura tourne à 13 points (33.7 % de réussite à trois points) et 4,3 rebonds de moyenne en 30 matches avec les Wizards cette saison. L'ailier japonais quitte les Washington Wizards pour rejoindre la franchise californienne, actuellement

NBA - Annoncé sur le départ ces derniers jours, l'ailier japonais quitte effectivement Washington. Direction les Lakers pour épauler LeBron James dans la ...

0.4 1.2 0.6 WAS Dans l’immédiat, Kendrick Nunn apportera de la percussion en sortie de banc, derrière Monte Morris, et en concurrence avec Delon Wright. Ce qui ouvrait la porte à un départ puisque les Wizards ne voulaient logiquement pas le perdre l’été prochain sans une contrepartie… Rappelons aussi que Rui Hachimura connaît déjà Russell Westbrook, Thomas Bryant et Troy Brown Jr, ses anciens coéquipiers aux Wizards…

Rui Hachimura est un nouveau joueur des Lakers. Le Japonais quitte les Wizards en échange, notamment, de Kendrick Nunn et d'un 2e tour 2023.

Le deal paraît intéressant pour les Lakers, étant donné le faible impact de Kendrick Nunn depuis son arrivée. Le joueur de 24 ans tourne à 13 points et 4.3 rebonds par match cette saison à Washington. L'ancien de Gonzaga shoote à 33.7% derrière l'arc, mais à 48% au global depuis la rentrée.

La Trade Deadline est officiellement lancée ! Ce lundi, Rui Hachimura a été transféré aux Lakers contre Kendrick Nunn et des choix de draft.

Côté Wizards, ce transfert est une nouvelle preuve qu’ils misent à fond sur une prolongation de Kyle Kuzma (agent libre à l’été 2023) à la prochaine intersaison. [January 23, 2023] Visiblement, l’une de ces franchises était les Lakers.

Los Angeles will reportedly send Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to Washington.

Nunn plays only 13.5 minutes a night, and is superfluous in a guard rotation involving [Dennis Schröder](https://www.si.com/nba/player/dennis-schroder), [Russell Westbrook](https://www.si.com/nba/player/russell-westbrook), Austin Reaves and [Patrick Beverley](https://www.si.com/nba/player/patrick-beverley). It’s never great to be in a position to cut bait with a lottery pick. It’s a bad spot to be in for the Wizards. At least Washington seems to be in a realistic place about the roster moving forward, which is to say thinking about the long term as opposed to this season. My only real caution here—and it’s small—is the Lakers don’t have a plethora of chips to move around. And ultimately, the Lakers need all the rotation help they can get, especially when it comes to size and athleticism. Los Angeles [acquired forward Rui Hachimura](https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35511046/sources-lakers-nearing-deal-wizards-rui-hachimura) from the Wizards on Monday, [per multiple reports](https://www.si.com/nba/2023/01/23/wizards-trade-rui-hachimura-lakers-kendrick-nunn-draft-picks). This grade more so reflects not being able to get it done with Hachimura than this trade itself, which for the Wizards is nothing more or less than a definitive “Meh.” The Lakers will send Washington guard [Kendrick Nunn](https://www.si.com/nba/player/kendrick-nunn) and three second-round picks in the deal. [Anthony Davis](https://www.si.com/nba/player/anthony-davis). [Lakers](https://www.si.com/nba/team/los-angeles-lakers) are finally making moves. Still, his athleticism should be a nice fit in the frontline, and he can play alongside Davis whenever he returns.

Heading into the Feb. 9 deadline, it appeared Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office had a choice to make: Either maximize cap space for July by not trading ...

Even though the Lakers’ ability to retain some of their own pending free agents is less enticing based on how they have played this season, staying over still creates the capacity to have a deeper roster for 2023-24 and beyond. [Kelly Olynyk](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kelly-olynyk-Qlzp0cFJAKpYydgC/)’s qualifying offer back in 2017 when [Gordon Hayward](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/gordon-hayward-9eR4zdcr4HR5ACpn/) decided to join the [Celtics](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/celtics/). If the Lakers *ahem* have an understanding or well-informed hope that a high-level player would be interested in coming abroad, they should obviously prioritize that. While I would argue there are benefits for the additional control and optionality that the Wizards would have retained by keeping Hachimura, especially since Porziņģis and Kuzma can easily leave as free agents if they want, there at least is a clear rationale behind moving sooner rather than later even for what feels like a weak return. It’s a small detail but an important one since the rules are very different for extensions and wholly new contracts.) Giving up three future second-round picks for the opportunity to add a talented young player who should help their team now and mesh with their stars is a worthy gamble even if it ends up being a rental, particularly since Pelinka and the front office are the ones in control this summer. Instead, the key figure would have been Hachimura’s actual 2023-24 salary, as that is what would eventually count for luxury-tax purposes. Or he could see who says yes and, if the newcomer(s) represent a significant enough upgrade, simply withdraw Hachimura’s qualifying offer to remove his hold off the books and sign that other player in July. The CBA includes a detailed system of where to set the cap hold in each situation based on the player’s previous salary, contract and other factors. That said, more difficult and impossible are not the same thing — the two sides could agree to a small enough contract that Pelinka could still sign his offseason priorities. While it may seem at first that trading for a pending restricted free agent pushes the Lakers further toward the cap space path, that is actually incorrect because of how [the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement](https://nbpa.com/cba) handles cap holds. The intention behind cap holds is to function as a placeholder for free agents that prevents their team from gaming the system by using cap space and then re-signing all of its own free agents.

Hachimura was the ninth overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA Draft. He played a ton in his first two seasons, starting 105 total games, but that number ...

Rui Hachimura débarque dans la Cité des Anges, tandis que l'ailier était malheureux depuis longtemps aux Wizards. Les Pourpre et Or ont d'ailleurs un plan bien ...

Reste à connaître le montant de la transaction, d’autant que Hachimura va devoir trouver ses marques dans la Cité des Anges. Il pourrait prétendre entre 10 et 15 millions la saison, mais il faut croire que les Lakers sont prêts à faire l’effort nécessaire. Les Angelinos espèrent avoir un peu plus de chance de leur côté. L’ambition est de lui faire signer un nouveau contrat, raison pour laquelle les Wizards ont souhaité se séparer de lui, faute d’accord dans ce feuilleton. Les Angelinos l’ont compris de leur côté, puisqu’ils n’ont pas l’intention de se séparer de lui, malgré son statut d’agent libre l’été prochain. Il a fallu se montrer patient chez les Lakers, mais les fans ont été récompensés ce lundi.

Los Angeles is sending Kendrick Nunn and 3 second-round picks to Washington in exchange for Hachimura.

We want to thank Kendrick Nunn and his family for his time as a Laker, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.” He has averaged 6.7 points in 39 games this season, 37 of them in a reserve role. “We are excited to welcome Rui and his family to the Los Angeles Lakers,” said Rob Pelinka, vice president of basketball operations and general manager for the Lakers.

(AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring former lottery pick Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and a package of ...

The Wizards also generated a $6.3 million trade exception in the process. While Nunn, his expiring contract, the future picks and the trade exception have ...

[Tyrese Maxey](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tyrese-maxey-ZaAqNko77dWsPkHu/) (drafted 21st) is a highly coveted guard with [Philadelphia](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/sixers/). [San Antonio](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/spurs/) snagged forward [Keldon Johnson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/keldon-johnson-Qxtxx7Hv9piN389t/) 29th. [Otto Porter Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/otto-porter-jr-YZArJyJYbXqwrxSC/), the third pick by the Wizards in 2013, turned out to be a solid rotation player. Without Kuzma in the fold, Hachimura would have received more playing time and [might not have wanted to be traded](https://theathletic.com/4113852/2023/01/22/rui-hachimura-possible-trade/). [Corey Kispert](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/corey-kispert-DE1k8wy3xzCO4rpO/) 15th, and Kispert has met expectations as a long-range shooter and floor-spacer. [John Wall](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/john-wall-Hi3iaXUQCSafuGlJ/) first overall in 2010 and [Bradley Beal](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/bradley-beal-mb7gZfksSkvZCBxf/) third overall in 2012. [Tyler Herro](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tyler-herro-nz3UBZ8kykifep4y/), the 2021-22 [NBA](https://theathletic.com/nba/) Sixth Man of the Year, went 13th. [Golden State](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/warriors/) drafted guard [Jordan Poole](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jordan-poole-OKSId48WraP8pRNl/) 28th, and Poole is on the brink of stardom. [Tyrese Haliburton](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tyrese-haliburton-kd4uq1u3TjLLcGlB/), who was drafted three picks after Avdija, has grown into a likely All-Star point guard following a trade from Sacramento to Indiana. They could have chosen guard [Anfernee Simons](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/anfernee-simons-ktISGwwkceERHS8j/) instead. [Washington Wizards](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/wizards/) had a valuable opportunity to acquire a difference-making player. [Grant Williams](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/grant-williams-ZKR4PurwehHcDFw2/) lasted until No.

While there had been rumblings about Hachimura possibly getting traded, the actual deal came out of nowhere. So much so that even Lakers point guard Dennis ...

[LeBron James](/nba/players/400553/lebron-james/) should help in that regard. Early on Monday, they sent [Kendrick Nunn](/nba/players/2104256/kendrick-nunn/) and three future second-round picks to the [Washington Wizards](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/WAS/washington-wizards/) in exchange for fourth-year forward [Rui Hachimura](/nba/players/2268082/rui-hachimura/). As for this deal, Hachimura will give the Lakers some much-needed size and athleticism in the frontcourt and cost them very little in return. As Schroder's stream shows, most of the time other players are not in the loop on everything the front office is doing, so trades are just as much of a surprise to them. It's pretty rare to get a player's honest, initial reaction to a trade rather than a soundbite in the media hours later. The veteran was live streaming when news of the trade broke on social media.

The Lakers reportedly are picking up Wizards forward Rui Hachimura in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round draft picks.

Their 22-25 record puts them 12th in the West, though they are just one game back of ninth and 2.5 games back of fifth. They also traded a first-round pick, Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell to the Wizards in 2021 to acquire Russell Westbrook, leaving 2027 and 2029 as the only first-round picks at their disposal for trades right now. Washington selected Hachimura with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Some NBA franchises prefer to comfort the anxiety of their fan bases with rebuilding plans. They'll tank games and hoard high draft picks, as the Philadelphia ...

[signed Beal to the super-duper max](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2022/06/30/bradley-beal-wizards-free-agency/?itid=lk_inline_manual_28) — with a no-trade clause, mind you — and surrounded him with Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma. Instead of committing to a full rebuild, they’ll give Beal the keys to the kingdom but provide him little assistance outside of his best two teammates. The Wizards are making their stalemate seem more stimulating, at least, but in the end, they’re doing what they always do: nothing. [Jason Murray](https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/jason-murray/?itid=lk_inline_manual_30) or than anyone who is still paying to watch this team play. For now, however, he has scored 11 more points in the NBA than Washington Post NBA editor [Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis is week-to-week with an ankle sprain Image without a caption By Ava Wallace](https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/01/23/kristaps-porzingis-ankle-injury/?itid=lk_interstitial_manual_29) As a rookie, Hachimura was expected to play alongside the team’s alpha, Bradley Beal. Still, he was expected to be more than the Wizards’ Japanese ambassador; he was supposed to plug into the rotation right away. “We were really, really fortunate last night to be able to draft Rui Hachimura,” President and General Manager Tommy Sheppard said at the time. Instead, generations of fans can join in on a near-annual game: “What Are the Wizards Doing?!?” We prefer to spend hours in front of our crazy walls, connecting red strings from the Issuf Sanon draft pick to the Isaiah Thomas era and trying to unearth the truth: Was taking Jan Vesely sixth overall in 2011 just a way to distract us from the government bugging our landlines — or at least from the previous year’s trade that somehow involved Kirk Hinrich and Mike Bibby? With this move, forget rooting for a shot for the play-in.

At least one significant trade before the Feb. 9 deadline was necessary, for many reasons, to set things up both short- and long-term.

And [Kentavious Caldwell-Pope](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kentavious-caldwell-pope-l5E2diAwkPs8PAta/). And [Dāvis Bertāns](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/dvis-bertns-0isdLTfkZ7z8J9Hb/). There’s a logjam in front of him at both guard positions with Beal, [Monte Morris](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/monte-morris-vyfw8vY2YWAG1PRb/), [Delon Wright](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/delon-wright-Gg1s5CSMSSrLhffm/) and [Jordan Goodwin](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jordan-goodwin-hYkBXuh5BVBbZBhB/), even with [Will Barton](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/will-barton-4Jzk3ONiv7GocIOJ/) out of the rotation at present. [Kyle Kuzma](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/kyle-kuzma-7x2ASMz0sv4qdd7u/) necessarily involved not extending Hachimura. [Russell Westbrook](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/russell-westbrook-6Eb0XPY16UzzJWbc/), Hachimura, [Thomas Bryant](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/thomas-bryant-dq4B2s0HiwRTR3cB/) and [Troy Brown Jr.](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/troy-brown-jr-VYZHoNMwJDDOVeZ0/) — on their roster. It thus behooves Washington to settle up with the Knicks as soon as possible, so it could potentially package earlier future firsts with players to trade for a difference-making talent to package with Beal (and, presumably, Kuzma and Porziņģis). Maybe the Lakers believe a similar renaissance is possible with the duo now reunited in Los Angeles.) Also, the three seconds — a 2023 second from L.A. The Wizards will need to clear a roster spot to be able to convert Goodwin’s contract. [the explosive offensive potential he showed in two seasons (2019-21) in Miami](https://theathletic.com/1344608/2019/11/06/aldridge-has-questions-on-iguodalas-destination-nunns-emergence-and-a-look-at-the-wizards-kings-and-rockets/). The Lakers now have four players from that team — 9 deadline was necessary to better set up things both in the short and long term.