Wizards Could Be Forced To Bite the Bullet With Andray Blatche

Courtesy of CSN Washington

With less than a week to go before the Wizards decide on whether to use the amnesty clause on forward Andray Blatche, no possible outcome seems like a winner for the team.

As Michael Lee reports, the Wizards are seriously considering parting ways with Blatche. Using the one-time amnesty provision would allow the Wizards to save roughly $7 million on next year’s salary cap, but Blatche would still receive all $23 million of his contract.

Simply put — Andray Blatche shouldn’t be on this team.

Regardless of how he exits, his attitude, immaturity, work ethic and inconsistent play does nothing but bring down a youthful Wizards team. And when you’re trying to build around guys like John Wall, Kevin Seraphin and Bradley Beal, the last thing you need is a lazy club-goer that enjoys the label of ‘basketball player’ more than he actually enjoys the game.

Fortunately, the Wizards front office appears to be thinking along the same lines as myself when it comes to exiting players. Rather than buying out thier contracts or waiving them all together, receiving something in return can be much more rewarding. Treading with caution is essential in this situation, however, as you don’t want to take on an ugly contract.

Retaining Blatche next season and watching him sit at the end of the bench — or better yet, watching him be sent home — doesn’t make for easy viewing. Although fans and coaches have been more than patient when it comes to Blatche’s progress, the 6’11 forward has literally become a waste of space.

Don’t bother trying to come up with a profitable scenario for the Wizards. I’ve already wasted my time attempting to come up with potential trade partners, three-team deals and maxing out ESPN’s trade machine. Nothing works. It’s not even about the misalignment of contracts or dollars. Quite frankly, I can’t imagine another team that would want Andray Blatche.

Naturally you look to established teams with strong locker rooms, as they tend to take other team’s trash and turn it into serviceable production. But take a look at the Spurs, the Celtics, the Thunder or even the Lakers. Who in the world would they be willing to part with in order to acquire Andray Blatche?

July 17 is the final day that the Wizards can use the amnesty clause.