NBA Trade Rumors: 5 talented players that may benefit from a fresh start

Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards have had a hot and cold relationship with Rui Hachimura. So much so that it may be time for a change of scenery for the young forward. Hachimura hasn’t drastically improved and has, in fact, taken a bit of a step back over the last two years of his career compared to his first two seasons in the league.

Hachimura and the Wizards didn’t come to a contract extension during the offseason, meaning that the team isn’t afraid if he tests the restricted free agent market. It could also mean that they aren’t sold on him as a long-term player.

Either way, there may be a better spot out there for Hachimura. He’s currently playing behind Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis. And his minutes per game have dropped to just over 20 per contest. It makes sense that the Wizards are giving more minutes to Kuzma and Kristaps but perhaps that could just mean that they don’t have room for Hachimura anymore.