Witches want to be the next thunder instead of the next sun

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The Wizards’ record this season (34-38) is better than the Sun’s record last season (34-39).

Phoenix has been replaced by Chris Paul and is now 2-1 up in the NBA Finals, giving hope to every mid-tier team trying to convince themselves they’re only one piece away.

But perhaps Washington will not fall into this trap.

Tom Haberstrohe for “Standig Room Only”

Reading the Tea Leaves and from what I gather from talking to other CEOs, I think the Washington Wizards, instead of saying, “We can be the next Phoenix Suns,” I think they look at this and say, “We can be the next Oklahoma City Thunder and try to rebuild Rebuilding from scratch.

The Thunder swapped Paul George and Russell Westbrook for major assets, starting what looks like a fruitful rebuild.

The Wizards have a very desirable player in Bradley Beal. Although he has repeatedly gone to great lengths to declare his allegiance to Washington, it is not up to him. Wizards can trade it whenever they want and they will bring in a great return.

But magicians cannot be the sun or the thunder.

Players like Chris Paul are rarely available for such a low cost. Phoenix got Paul on the cheap just because he’s old and expensive. That was a worthwhile risk at the time, and it worked out beautifully. But Washington almost certainly won’t have the same chance, let alone the same outcome.

The Suns also had a top roster of young, up-and-coming players – Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. As with Bell, Roy Hatchimura and Deni Avdega are nowhere near making that leap. Russell Westbrook (32) has been going the wrong way for years, and Davis Bertans has really disappointed this season.

As far as Thunder, they’ve got more Paul George than the wizards got for Bell. Oklahoma City has just discovered the perfect storm for the Clippers as they desperately try to impress Kawhi Leonard (who succeeds). Plus, Thunder got a lot going for Westbrook…and Jeramy Grant…and eventually Stephen Adams…and eventually Chris Paul. Thunder had a better way of shredding. Hence, they have much more head start on rebuilding than Washington does.

Drowning witches in a rebuilding process would also be a stark change of course.

Maybe they will pivot. Bale is eligible for a major contract extension later this season. If he doesn’t sign it, it could prompt Washington to trade with him instead of allowing him unrestricted free agency in 2021. After all his talk of loyalty, Bell’s failure to sign the extension would be a strong signal to the Witches.

But sometimes there seems to be a security thinking/projection that occurs when witches are discussed outside of Washington. Many teams wish to poach Bill. Many people view the NBA through the prism of a championship or bust, which would prompt the Wizards to rebuild. But Bell expressed his unusual loyalty to Washington. The Wizards may just keep it up and stay in the post-season conversation rather than accept a basement in pursuit of a higher ceiling.

Therefore, I’m not entirely convinced that Washington would try (and fail) to be Oklahoma City rather than try (and fail) to be Phoenix.

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