The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a former longtime assistant general manager with the Nets, breaks down the Washington Wizards' situation as Thursday's trade deadline approaches.

HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT ...

John Wall



In a year of injuries and inconsistent play, Wall remains the one consistent factor in Washington. The three-time All-Star has had to do a lot of the heavy lifting this year in Washington to keep playoff hopes alive.



Only 25, Wall is in the prime of his career and signed through the 2018-19 season.

WILL NOT GET EQUAL VALUE

Bradley Beal



In the last year of his rookie contract, Beal, when healthy, has shown to be one of the better shooting guards in the East. The "when healthy" part is a big factor on how the Wizards handle Beal in the offseason.



Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre Jr.

After two disappointing seasons, Otto Porter has had a breakout year in Washington. With Porter still on his rookie contract, the challenging part for Wizards management will come this summer when he's eligible for a rookie extension.



Otto Porter (AP) More

It is all about the future for Oubre. With the rising cap, Oubre's rookie contract will be the equal to future minimum salaries. With big upside and still only 20, Oubre should be a part of the Wizards' future as he develops.

WORTH TALKING ABOUT

Expiring contracts and partials



The Wizards have six players who are in the last year of their contracts: Nene, Jared Dudley, Alan Anderson, Ramon Sessions, Gary Neal and Garrett Temple. They also have three players with non-guaranteed contracts: Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair and Drew Gooden.



It's no secret that Washington has lined up its books this summer to go free-agent hunting. With the Wizards on the outside for a playoff spot, management will need to decide if risking some of that cap space for a shot to upgrade the team now is worth it.

NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION

Jared Dudley



Dudley cannot be traded back to Milwaukee.



Jarell Eddie

Because Eddie was signed in early January, he cannot be traded. League rules state that a player who signs a contract after Sept. 15 cannot be traded for six months.



MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE

When healthy the Wizards are a dangerous team. Whether Washington can indeed stay healthy and play consistent basketball over the final 30-plus games is another story.

Washington can trim around the edges and move an expiring contract in return for a player that eats up room but can contribute now.

TREASURE CHEST OF PICKS

Washington has its own first-round pick and owns its future first-round picks.

AVAILABLE TRADE EXCEPTIONS

Washington has a $2.8 million disabled player exception created from Martell Webster's season-ending injury.

The Wizards have until March 10 to use it and can only acquire or sign a player in his last year or to a one-year contract.

POST-TRADE DEADLINE ROSTER MOVEMENT

Washington will still have the disabled player exception available at its disposal after the trade deadline.

Although close to the luxury tax, Washington could offer more than the minimum to a veteran who is bought out of his contract.

SNEAK PEEK TOWARD JULY

As projected, Washington right now will be over the salary cap. The Wizards, however, could have close to $30 million in cap space if the free-agent holds on their current players are renounced. The room also factors in the non-guaranteed contracts being let go.

This summer will be all about timing. Leaving the Beal cap hold on the books and using cap space is the first step to use the space effectively.

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