Trading Otto Porter Jr. was just the beginning for the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards sent forward Markieff Morris and a 2023 second-round draft pick to the New Orleans Pelicans late Wednesday in exchange for forward Wesley Johnson — another salary dump that helps them get out of the luxury tax. The news was reported by The Athletic.
Morris, who the Wizards acquired in 2016, was in the last year of his contract, making $8.6 million. By comparison, Johnson makes $6.1 million — and the net difference helps the Wizards get under the tax for this season.
Earlier Wednesday the team sent forward Otto Porter to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forward Bobby Portis, Jabari Parker and a second-round pick.
Portis, Parker and Johnson are all on expiring contracts.
The Wizards started selling off players a day after news broke that star John Wall could miss all of next season with a ruptured Achilles.
Out with a neck injury, Morris hasn’t played since late December. He averaged 11.5 points per game this season.
Johnson is an eight-year NBA veteran who is averaging 3.7 points per game this season.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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