Washington Wizards: Could Carl Landry Land In D.C.?

The Washington Wizards are reportedly interested in keeping free agent big man Kevin Seraphin, even though they currently have a full roster.

Such rumors indicate that Ernie Grunfeld is open to making more moves this off-season. Despite having 15 players under guaranteed contracts, there are a number of players on the roster that are certainly expendable.

With that said, the Wizards could be open to making moves if the right deal presents itself.

After signing Alan Anderson, Gary Neal and Jared Dudley, the Wizards added a number of players that could be used as spot-starters. Right now, the starters could be penciled in as John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter, Nene and Marcin Gortat.

The players that were added will give the Wizards some much needed perimeter shooting, but Washington still might have a hole in their front court.

Nene isn’t capable of playing 30+ minutes anymore, Kris Humphries will likely continue to come off the bench and Drew Gooden is going to play the stretch four role. DeJuan Blair likely won’t be a part of the rotation next season again.

So, while the Wizards did add a stretch four in Dudley and retained Gooden, they could still use some scoring off their bench from a big, especially with Seraphin likely to leave.

At this point in the off-season, all of the rotation bigs are basically gone. However, Washington could look to unload one of their end of the bench players for another front court player.

According to a report, Philadelphia 76ers big man Carl Landry, whom they acquired as a throw-in from the Sacramento Kings, could be on the move:

I've consistently heard, whether it's through trade, waive or buyout, it's highly likely Carl Landry is not a Sixer come training camp, too. — Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 31, 2015

The Sixers aren’t a team that’s looking to get major value in return.

Sam Hinkie wants to load up on potential draft picks and cash — both things the Wizards could offer. They recently traded Jason Thompson, whom they also acquired from the Kings as a throw-in, to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for cash/draft considerations and Gerald Wallace‘s expiring contract.

Washington could offer a similar deal for Carl Landry, who isn’t expected to stay with the Sixers this upcoming season.

Just to have a trade idea out there, I put this together via ESPN’s Trade Machine:

via ESPN

Martell Webster‘s contract is worth slightly less than Landry’s, but more importantly, his last season in 2016 isn’t fully guaranteed. Philadelphia would save some money on the deal and they would likely get a future second round pick in return as well.

What would Landry give the Washington Wizards?

Even though the last few seasons of Landy’s contract are guaranteed, I think the team would be willing to overlook it, especially since it wouldn’t truly hinder them if a chance to land a top free agent (Kevin Durant) in 2016 legitimately emerges. The salary cap is going to rise and Landry’s contract might look like a steal at that point.

Regardless, Washington would get another key piece to their success in Landry. Although he’s going to be 32-years-old in September, Landry is still capable of doing what he does best — score the basketball.

Per 36 minutes, Landry averaged over 15 points per game on nearly 52 percent shooting from the field last season with the Kings. The 6’9″ forward also shot the ball well from mid-range, as he knocked down about 57 percent of his looks from 10-16 feet last season.

Landry isn’t a three point threat, but he does shoot the ball well from around the free throw line, which would give John Wall another pick-and-pop threat.

He would probably be the first big off the bench in Washington, so he would spend time next to Marcin Gortat.

Landry would provide the space away from the basket so Gortat wouldn’t have to work in a clogged area inside.

Carl Landry isn’t the most popular name, but if the Washington Wizards could find a deal for the big man, they would undoubtedly have one of the deepest teams in the Eastern Conference.

Many, including myself, have doubted Nene’s future in the nation’s capital. The game has changed rapidly and the veteran big man might not be capable of contributing at a high level anymore.

While Nene’s defense and inside scoring is still needed, having a player like Landry available would give the Washington Wizards some protection if/when Nene gets hurt or gets traded.

The additions, along with Landry, would make Washington one of the most versatile teams in the league. If he’s available, Grunfeld should at least pick up the phone.