In the 2014 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards sold their draft pick #46 for $1.8 million dollar to the LA Lakers. The Wizards sold their pick for $1 million more than the Minnesota Timberwolves who owned the #44 pick.
Still, this transaction drew the ire of many in the local media and several fans. Mike Prada of Bullets Forever called it troubling stating that "smart organizations don't pass up free chances to pick up pieces to save a few bucks". Kyle Wedle, of TruthAboutIt agrees; stating that "you'll never catch the San Antonio Spurs selling second round draft picks".
Kevin Pelton from ESPN in a chat with fans disagreed that this move had any significance.
The Wizards have now added Khem Birch to their summer league roster, who could end up making the Wizards roster since they do need better big men.
The Washington Wizards also picked up Deonte Birch, a point guard from New Mexico from Nevada. Burton was ranked ahead of Jordan Clarkson by DraftExpress, who the Lakers ended up taking with the Wizards' pick. While being a good scoring point guard that can run the pick and roll, Burton also has musical talents.
It will be interesting to see if the Wizards strategy of going the undrafted route will eventually lead to them making the team. It would be in the Wizards' best interest to lock them into favorable contracts.
Still, this transaction drew the ire of many in the local media and several fans. Mike Prada of Bullets Forever called it troubling stating that "smart organizations don't pass up free chances to pick up pieces to save a few bucks". Kyle Wedle, of TruthAboutIt agrees; stating that "you'll never catch the San Antonio Spurs selling second round draft picks".
Kevin Pelton from ESPN in a chat with fans disagreed that this move had any significance.
The Wizards have now added Khem Birch to their summer league roster, who could end up making the Wizards roster since they do need better big men.
UNLV's Khem Birch will play for the Washington Wizards Summer League team this summer.
— The Hoop Truth™ (@TheHoopTruth) June 28, 2014
It will be interesting to see if the Wizards strategy of going the undrafted route will eventually lead to them making the team. It would be in the Wizards' best interest to lock them into favorable contracts.
