The NBA trade deadline continues to move ahead. While many teams are expecting to make trade offers, some are more desperate than others. The Washington Wizards are a team that will likely make moves to improve their roster. With the struggles that the team has displayed, the front office should understand what is at stake moving forward in the season.
The Wizards finished the first half of the season with a 14-20 record. Things seemed to have slowly come together as the team won eight of 11 games before the all-star break.
Since that point, the Wizards have dropped five straight games and show that there are still holes in their roster.
For a team led by Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, there were higher expectations for the Wizards to become a playoff contender. Despite Beal’s historic scoring season, it hasn’t affected Washington in the best way.
March 25 can be an equation-changer for the Wizards. The front office can either make major changes to make a playoff push or decide to look into next season. Washington is currently three games back of the play-in spot at the 10th seed. Although it looks as if things are falling apart, there’s still enough basketball to be played.
Let’s look into two trades the Wizards can make that can turn things around.
Wizards wish list: defensive enforcer
The Wizards need defense. According to team rankings.com, Washington is ranked last in defense by giving up 120 points per game. As we have seen with contending teams in the NBA, having a center to protect the basket is key to set the tone for the rest of the team.
It has been difficult for the Wizards to have paint dominance after they lost Thomas Bryant to an ACL tear. Although Robin Lopez has been known as a defensive anchor, he has often been a shell of himself throughout this season.
Many centers are available in trade talks. There could become a possible reunion with Cleveland Cavaliers center Javale McGee with Washington. McGee has won three championships with the Warriors and Lakers since he left the Wizards in 2012. Although McGee was once known as a laughing stock of the NBA. He has shown that he can rejuvenate his career.
New depth
The great teams always have a great supporting cast to surround their stars with. Although the Wizards have great young talent who have a bright future, unfortunately, there hasn’t been a consistent effort from role players.
The Wizards’ front office may have to bring in new talent to provide energy off the bench. Although some players are safe, there are also a few who can be moved by the trade deadline.
A target who could help the struggling Wizards could be Patty Mills from San Antonio. As Mills has paid his dues as a champion in San Antonio, the Wizards could use his presence as a role player.
The Wizards could trade away Ish Smith, Robin Lopez, and a first-round picks to be able to secure Mills in a successful trade. A new sighting would benefit both Mills and the Wizards tremendously.
