A couple of years in the past, huge man Kristaps Porzingis was one of many NBA’s most promising younger stars.

He confirmed the flexibility to turn out to be a 20-point, 10-rebound participant who might additionally defend the rim on protection and hit 3-pointers at a excessive price.

Sadly, accidents have dampened loads of that potential.

He’s nonetheless a very good participant, and he’s averaging a powerful 23.2 factors and eight.4 rebounds a recreation whereas capturing 49.8 p.c total and 38.5 p.c from 3-point vary for the Washington Wizards this season.

Porzingis is rumored to be progressing in negotiations for a brand new contract to might pay him $180 million over 4 years.

However NBA analyst Keith Smith says such a deal could possibly be a nasty transfer for the Wizards.

On one hand, it makes lots of sense for WAS to get an extension executed with Porzingis. He is been actually good this 12 months. That will additionally deliver readability heading into the summer season and Kuzma negotiations (he will not prolong).

Then again: Wizards are destined to be 7 to 12 endlessly.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 29, 2023

Porzingis is an efficient participant (when wholesome), however is he actually price $180 million over 4 years, which is the kind of cash given out to superstars, if not merely legit All-Stars?

He has made only one All-Star Sport in his eight NBA seasons, and he has performed in over 70 video games simply as soon as, though with 65 video games below his belt this season, he might make it two such campaigns.

If the Wizards dedicate that a lot cash to Porzingis, it is going to be tough for them to herald further items to get themselves out of that nebulous realm of being a borderline play-in match staff.

As of this writing, they’re in eleventh place within the Japanese Convention with a 34-42 file and are 2.5 video games behind the Tenth-place Chicago Bulls.

Washington has already traded away a stable participant in Rui Hachimura, who shall be a restricted free agent this summer season, and there may be at all times the possibility Kyle Kuzma leaves this summer season as properly in free company.

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