NBA Trade Rumors: Wizards Wants To Make Scott Brooks A Priority

By Jenn Loro - 17 Apr '16 07:51AM

New rumors churning out from NBA rumor land suggest an interesting offseason for Scott Brooks. He's considered as one of the most attractive head coaching options among a plethora of candidates who are bound to lose their jobs at the end of the regular season. Currently, the Wizards have been eyeing the former Oklahoma City Thunder coach for the hardcourt job.

As reported by Yahoo Sports, Washing Wizards coach Randy Wittman was shown his way out the door after the team ended a dismal 41-41 season on Wednesday night.

For quite some time, the franchise has been on the lookout for Scott Brooks after being fired by Thunder after last season. Reports indicate a significant pursuit campaign to sign-in Brooks to Washington. In the offseason, the Wizards are expected to be extremely aggressive in getting him to coach the team. Other options include Suns coach Jeff Hornacek and Philadelphia 76ers assistant Mike D'Antoni.

According to Real GM, the Wizards are so keen on bringing Brooks to the fold alongside Kevin Durant who used to play under Brooks' mentorship. However, the Wizards was an unappealing team for high-profile Durant. GM Ernie Grunfeld is expected to intensify rebuilding efforts and solidify a winning team ahead of the 2016-17 season.

Apparently, it's not just Washington gunning for Brooks. According to the latest roundup from the Bleacher Report, Brooks and the LA Lakers appear to be having shared mutual interest as Byron Scott's future looks increasingly dim leaving his position vacant.

Why Scott Brooks?

From a statistical standpoint, he posted a .620 winning percentage during his stint with Oklahoma City, including a run to the 2011 NBA Finals. He was also 2010 Coach of the Year. But the most important quality Brooks has that makes him increasingly attractive for bottom teams is his proven track record in developing young players into NBA stars.

As reported by the Inquistr, he posted a .620 winning percentage during his time with the Thunder, including a run to the 2011 NBA Finals. Brooks was responsible for shaping NBA talents like Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant while coaching Thunder for seven years. With his expertise, Lakers are hoping to get D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle reach their full potential under Brooks' proven mentorship skills.