Wall: Wizards need 3rd star, but giving free agent Durant space
The Washington Wizards are prepared to put all their eggs in the Kevin Durant free-agent basket this summer in an attempt to entice the four-time scoring champion to sign with his hometown team.
Hiring Scott Brooks, who previously coached Durant with the Oklahoma City Thunder, is believed by many to be an attempt to further lure Durant to the nation's capital. All-Star point guard John Wall doesn't believe that's the case, though.
"In my opinion, that’s not why we hired him," Wall told The Vertical's Michael Lee. "I feel if (Brooks) can make a pitch, and I can make a pitch and (Durant) comes, it’s great. I think we do need another star here, another great player to (get over) that next hump. You need three stars to win this league."
Friends close to Durant reportedly told The Vertical's Chris Mannix last month he's not looking to move back home and play for the Wizards because he's not interested in having to deal with any fake friends or family members who "come out of the woodwork."
Wall and Durant have established a bond over the years, with the two living near one another in the Los Angeles area. He'll certainly play a large role in Washington's pitch to the summer's hottest free agent, but won't be disappointed if it doesn't pan out.
"If he comes, he comes, if not, got to make other plans," Wall said. "But that's something I haven't talked to him about. I'm not willing to right now. He just came off a tough series. I'm trying to give him a couple of weeks, a month off, to think about what he wants to do."
Durant and the Thunder are coming off a devastating Game 7 loss in the Western Conference finals to the Golden State Warriors after blowing a 3-1 series lead. Following the defeat, Durant was mum on what he intends to do when he hits unrestricted free agency.
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Wall and Bradley Beal have been Washington's one-two punch on offense for the past four seasons, but as Wall told Lee, adding a third star into the fold could be the difference between the Wizards being an early exit in the postseason and a legitimate championship contender.
Whether that third piece will be Durant remains to be seen.