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The Washington Wizards have acquired point guard Kirk Hinrich and the 17th overall pick from the Chicago Bulls, according to ESPN”s Rich Bucher, who said it is not clear as of yet what Chicago will be receiving in return. Much like yesterday’s deal between the Thunder and the Heat, Chicago made this deal in order to free up cap space and are now able to offer maximum contracts to two free agents this off-season (Aside: The Chicago Tribune says one of those players will be Joe Johnson).

Hinrich has been on the block since the middle of the season so it is not surprising to see him go considering his contract and the Bulls’ bright plans for the future. However, the fact that Washington is the buyer in this case is a little surprising. Unlike the Thunder, the Wizards are set at the point guard and shooting guard positions with John Wall, Nick Young, Randy Foye (qualifying offer) and Gilbert Arenas and Hinrich will bring along a heft $9 million contract. I don’t see an upside to this deal for Washington unless they expect Hinrich to play significant minutes at the two guard over Young and possibly even Arenas.

There is the possibility that dealing for another point guard means they are looking to trade Gilbert Arenas (possibly to Orlando for Vince Carter) and with Hinrich’s $9 million salary that almost has to be the case.

The Chase Down Block Chris Berry Interactive Chris Berry Interactive