The Bullets would stun their fans and the entire league by trading Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.
The trade was done three games into the season and Monroe was sent to the rival New York Knicks.
[1] The Bullets received Dave Stallworth, Mike Riordan, and cash.
[1] The Bullets did not adjust well to not having Monroe as they finished the season with a 38–44 record.
The losing record would still be good enough to win the Central Division.