How will Wizards' situation impact Celtics, rest of Eastern Conference?

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The Washington Wizards are a mess.

Not only are they a disappointing 5-11 and out of the playoff picture in the Eastern conference, there were reports Monday detailing a heated practice and the team's willingness to consider trading anyone on the roster, including franchise cornerstones John Wall and Bradley Beal.

The Wizards could choose to blow it up and trade multiple players, or they could attempt to ride it out and hope their fortunes improve. How would those scenarios impact the Celtics?

Well, for starters, if the Wizards go full rebuild, that's one contender the Celtics wouldn't have to deal with in a potential playoff series. Washington has played poorly, but there's still enough talent on its roster to make the playoffs. If the Wizards keep everyone or make a trade to add to the Wall/Beal core, they could be a possible first-round playoff matchup for the C's. The Wizards have played pretty well against the Celtics over the last two seasons. Washington is 5-3 against Boston over the last two regular seasons, but the C's got the better of the Wizards in their 2017 second-round playoff series with a thrilling Game 7 win.

The Celtics and Wizards play each other three times in 2018-19, including the last game of the regular season. That final game could have big implications on seeding in the East playoffs with the Celtics likely to be in the mix for a top-two seed. 

The worst-case scenario for the Celtics involving the Wizards would be Washington trading one of its best players -- Beal, Wall or Otto Porter Jr. -- to one of Boston's top rivals in the East. The Philadelphia 76ers already made a blockbuster trade to acquire star forward Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks all could try to improve their rosters before the trade deadline. 

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Beal's 20-plus points per game and solid outside shooting would provide a huge lift to a contending team, and he's also signed for the next three seasons. Porter has a burdensome contract, but he's a solid wing player who can score 20 on a given night. Kelly Oubre Jr., the Wizards' first-round pick in 2015, also would be a good wing addition for a contender. Oubre is averaging a career-high 12.6 points per game this season.

The Wizards shouldn't panic yet. There's plenty of time to turn things around, but if they choose to rebuild and trade their best players, the balance of power certainly could shift, especially if Beal and/or Wall are moved. 

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