John Wall's wish of landing Paul George in Washington could be within reach. According to a report from ESPN, the Wizards have interest in a potential sign-and-trade deal in landing George that centers around Otto Porter Jr. and a protected draft pick.
Porter is likely to command big money in free agency after a stellar 2016-17 season, and the Wizards are seriously considering a potential one-year rental of George in favor of committing to Porter for the long haul.
George has made it clear to the Indiana Pacers that he won't re-sign when he hits the free-agent market in 2018 and prefers to play in Los Angeles, so dealing a player of Porter's caliber for George -- who could leave Washington after next season -- is a calculated risk. But it's one Wall feels could be the final piece for the rising Wizards.
"Look at our team. We are one piece away," Wall said this week. "We have the point guard, we have the shooting guard, we have the center, we have the power forward. Our 3-man [Otto Porter Jr.] did great for us. You can't take nothing away from what he did. But [George] is a guy that can guard LeBron and go back at LeBron. It's a piece that you're going to need to win. If you don't have a guy who can do that, you don't have a chance. ..."
George is set to command roughly $20 million in the final year of his deal next season, which would pinch Washington financially. But a run with a core that includes Bradley Beal, John Wall and Paul George -- with the potential to sway George to commit long-term in Washington -- could be a risk worth taking if it turns out successful.
