The Washington Wizards were hoping to be in the playoff mix this season with a lot of promising moments in the first 2 months of the season. However, December has been an incredibly tough month for them as the team has gone 2-11 and crashed to the 12th seed in the East.
They are currently 2.5 games behind the last play-in spot, so they definitely have something to fight for. However, with Kyle Kuzma likely opting out of his contract at the end of the season and Kristaps Porzingis following suit, the Wizards have to make some moves to safeguard the future with Bradley Beal and his incredibly expensive contract.
What are the right moves the Wizards can make this season? Should they try and climb up the standings or fall down and have a shot at Victor Wembanyama? Let’s take a look at the 3 players Washington needs to trade away this season.
3. Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura was the Wizards’ lottery pick in 2019, becoming the second Japanese-born player to be drafted into the NBA. Naturally, he brought a lot of hype with him. He was a product of the excellent Gonzaga Bulldogs and almost won College Player of the Year. However, he hasn’t developed into the player the Wizards need. They’ve tried trading him before to the Phoenix Suns but have failed.
The Phoenix Suns reportedly rejected a trade offer for Jae Crowder from the Washington Wizards centered around young forward Rui Hachimura, according to a report from basketball insider Marc Stein. Per that report, the Suns wanted a starting-caliber player in return for Crowder. Hachimura reportedly doesn’t make the “starter-worthy” cut for the Suns. (h/t Bleacher Report)
Hachimura has so much to offer a team that can be patient with his development. He is a versatile forward on an expiring $6 million contract who can be a very valuable player in the NBA. Maybe cutting off from Washington is best for both the player and the team. The Dallas Mavericks might be a great fit, given their frontcourt issues, with Maxi Kleber expected to miss most of the season.
2. Kristaps Porzingis
From a player who could benefit from playing from Luka Doncic to a player who most definitely did not, Kristaps Porzingis became a Wizard during the last trade deadline. He has had a great start to the season but has once again started fighting injuries. In December, Porzingis dealt with an illness, a back injury, and an ankle injury so far. In addition, he may be looking to opt out of his contract next season to get a long-term deal.
“Two NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Porzingis could opt out of his $36 million player option and enter free agency with the potential to secure a new long-term contract from Washington or another team along the lines of three years, $90 million or four years, $120 million given his current health and play this season.” (h/t HoopsHype)
Before the Wizards lose Porzingis for nothing, they should consider moving him. Maybe he is the upgrade at center the New Orleans Pelicans need? His health will cloud over any team that acquires him, but Porzingis has proven his incredible talent whenever he is healthy.
1. Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma is arguably the most valuable trade chip in the league right now. Everyone knows that Kuzma is on the market, as he is also expected to opt out of his contract this season with Porzingis to test free agency.
Unlike Porzingis’ Kuzma actually has more trade value due to being younger, on a cheaper contract ($33 million for Porzingis, $13 million for Kuzma), and consistently more available health-wise. Kuzma is the upgrade that Hachimura isn’t for the Phoenix Suns, and they’re looking at him as their primary trade target. The Atlanta Hawks are interested as well.
Several teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, have expressed trade interest in Kuzma, according to league sources. By the same token, the Wizards have shown interest in Hawks forward John Collins, and the sides seriously discussed a potential deal last offseason, league sources added. Overall, this surely creates a possible decision for the Wizards during the season of holding onto the potential free-agent-to-be or exploring what’s out there. (h/t The Athletic)
There are many teams around the league that should be interested in Kuzma beyond the Suns and the Hawks. The Lakers have thought about bringing their former forward back to the team. The Sacramento Kings have also been linked to the star, making a bidding war over Kuzma likely.
Player salaries via Spotrac.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
