All along, the Wizards believed they were just a minor tweak in the roster away from getting over the hump to not just be a playoff team but a solid one with a chance to advance out of the first round.
Thursday, they scored a veteran backup point guard in Andre Miller in a three-team trade with the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers to move closer to that goal, CSN Washington has confirmed.
The Wizards (26-28) gave up little-used Jan Vesely, a 2011 lottery pick, in the deal to Denver, Eric Maynor to Philadelphia as well as future second-round draft picks.
Vesely hasn’t played more than six minutes in a game since Jan. 20. He has appeared in just 33 games, has made the fewest starts of his career (one) and averaged 3.2 points and 3.4 rebounds.
Maynor, who was supposed to be the backup for John Wall but has been a terrible disappointment in his first season in Washington, goes to Philadelphia. He last appeared Jan. 28, last scored Dec. 6, averages 2.3 points, 1.7 assists and a career-low 29.2% shooting.
A significant side benefit of the deal: It gives the Wizards flexibility because it opens a roster spot. They now have 14 players under contract and have the ability to still sign a free agent, such as to a 10-day contract, or call up a D-League player.
Miller, 37, last played Dec. 30 after being suspended by the Nuggets following a verbal altercation with coach Brian Shaw. He played at Verizon Center on Dec. 9, when the Nuggets escaped with a 75-74 victory but failed to make a field goal in 22 minutes. Miller finished with three points and five assists.
Miller earned $5 million this season and is due $4.6 million for 2014-15, but it’s non-guaranteed. He’s averaging 5.9 points, 3.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds.
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