Jan 9, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) shoots during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards: Cavaliers Interested In Jared Dudley

The Washington Wizards have found themselves outside of the NBA Playoffs picture, and while they still have time to turn things around, they could potentially find themselves as sellers before the trade deadline. Teams that will have a tough time making the playoffs typically get rid of their players with expiring contracts to get some value in return.

The Wizards signed numerous veteran players this past summer — all of which accepted one-year deals. Washington wanted to preserve cap-space for this summer, when Kevin Durant will become a free agent, but ultimately gave up the chance to compete now.

With that said, players like Jared Dudley, Gary Neal and Alan Anderson would all be targeted by teams looking to make a push towards the NBA championship.

Teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers or Oklahoma City Thunder, for instance, are still a piece or two away from dethroning the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs.

Before the deadline, teams will start to call the Washington Wizards, wondering if Dudley and others will become available.

According to Brian Windhorst (h/t HoopsRumors), the Cavaliers are interested in acquiring Jared Dudley:

Windy: “The #Cavs would love to get their hands on Jared Dudley….” — ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 5, 2016

As Chuck Myron pointed out, the Cavaliers don’t have much that could interest the Washington Wizards, unless the Wizards want to obtain a large trade exception. The Cavaliers don’t have anyone with value who isn’t on a long-term contract, which is something the Wizards are looking to avoid.

At this point, I would be really surprised if the Wizards part ways with Dudley, especially since they still believe they could make a push towards the playoffs. After the All-star break, the Wizards will have the easiest schedule in the NBA. Up until this point, they’ve had the second toughest.

Dudley has been one of the team’s most reliable players.

He’s led the league in 3-point percentage and he’s consistently been one of the NBA’s most consistent threats from deep. Perhaps more importantly, Dudley is the only stretch-four the team has on the roster. His leadership in the locker room shouldn’t go unnoticed, too.

Unless the Washington Wizards are offered something they cannot pass on, I would expect them to keep Dudley for the remainder of the season. He’s a proven veteran and he’s played some of the best basketball of his career in D.C. Things haven’t gone according to plan, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if he re-signs with the team next season.

Dudley is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, so it’s not surprising that teams are interested in acquiring him. If the Wizards do part ways with Duds — just don’t send him to the Cavs, please.