Elevating Sheppard also would be a precursor to a decision that big.
But of course the Wizards are barely a functioning franchise so whether they stand pat or make a move I imagine it'll go poorly.
How Sheppard navigated the Wizards through the draft and free agency was central in why managing partner Ted Leonsis decided to elevate him to the long-term post. The last several weeks were treated as a "trial run," according to a person familiar with the process.
Sheppard worked closely with the team's ownership group, giving them written proposals for his plans that addressed goals, budget and contingencies. It was a collaborative effort to make the Wizards' roster younger, cheaper and harder working.
Sheppard has done a nice job for the Wizards but the real work in many ways about to begin. Dismantling an NBA roster is not as difficult as building a contender. Now he has to find pieces to build around John Wall and Bradley Beal that can help the team win something of substance.
Sheppard will have to do that within the constraints of Wall's supermax contract. And he will have to sort out Beal's future, which could take a turn later this month.
On July 26, the Wizards can officially offer Beal a contract extension worth approximately $111 million over three years. But there is a long list of clues that suggest he will not take the offer.
How Sheppard, Beal and the Wizards handle the fallout in the event he turns them down would be a test in itself.
https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/wizards/why-wizards-chose-tommy-sheppard-their-new-general-manager