The Washington Wizards face a crucial decision for the future of the franchise next week, when they will choose the third overall pick in the NBA draft and potentially find a building block and running mate for 2010 No. 1 overall pick John Wall.

But Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said their plans for the selection would not be changed by the team’s move on Wednesday to acquire veterans Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza for Rashard Lewis and the No. 46 pick in the June 28 draft.

“It doesn’t affect the draft at all,” Grunfeld said.

The Wizards auditioned Kansas junior power forward Thomas Robinson, Florida shooting guard Bradley Beal, Kentucky swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, North Carolina small forward Harrison Barnes and Connecticut big man Andre Drummond for the No. 3 pick. With the recent addition of size, the Wizards would appear more likely to address their needs for perimeter shooting and scoring help in the draft. Either way, Grunfeld said the organization would be patient with the draft selection.

“I think we’re going to get a player that’s going to be with us for quite some time,” he said. “I don’t think we’re depending on a rookie to come in and play 40 minutes a night for us, either.”

via Michael Lee of The Washington Post