The Washington Wizards are one of the worst teams in the NBA and should therefore utilize the upcoming trade deadline to their advantage. They currently sit at 14th place in the Eastern Conference. Due to their terrible win/loss record this season, the team will look to be sellers at the NBA trade deadline on February 8.
Despite the struggles, there have been a few players who have shined this season, raising their value on the trade market. Because of this, the Wizards should look to move them at the trade deadline in exchange for draft picks that could help their rebuild.
Tyus Jones Has Played Consistent Basketball This Season
After being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in the offseason, point guard Tyus Jones has developed into one of the Wizard’s most important players this season. With Washington, Jones has been the primary floor general on an NBA team for the first time in his career apart from when he filled in for a suspended Ja Morant last season. He is averaging career highs this season with 12.4 points per game and 6.4 assists per game.
As the Wizard’s starting point guard, Jones has proven to be invaluable. He is a smart player with a high basketball IQ who rarely turns the ball over. He will most certainly be a commodity for a contending team in the trade market ahead of the trade deadline.
Kyle Kuzma Has Developed into a Capable Lead Scorer
Wizard’s forward Kyle Kuzma has proven he can be a team’s first option on offense this season. After sitting in the shadows of LeBron James and Anthony Davis while with the Lakers, Kuzma has had a chance to be the leader of a young Wizards team.
When he first arrived in the Nation’s Capital in February of 2022, the forward had much to prove. Since then, he has developed into a 3-level scoring threat. With Washington, Kuzma’s scoring has gotten better every season, as it currently stands at 21.9 points per game.
There is no doubt about Kuzma’s impact and leadership for this Wizard’s squad, as it was the main reason he decided to stay in the offseason. Any playoff caliber team would be fortunate to add a piece such as him. Look for the Wizards to command a first round pick in exchange for their best player.
Deni Avdija Could Be Swapped for Multiple Picks
A surprising name that has surfaced in relation to trade speculation has been forward Deni Avdija. The longest-tenured Wizard has been seen as a building block since his time in D.C. began in 2020. However, the situation has changed because of Washinton’s desire for more draft picks.
Of the possible trade candidates, Avdija figures to draw the biggest return haul due to his young age and room for improvement. He is a solid defender with an offensive game that can develop with the right support around him. Recent Washington basketball history suggests the Wizards may not be the right team to develop a player like Avdija, as there have been a multitude of draft picks that just have not worked out in the Nation’s Capital.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen what the Wizards will do at the deadline. With the high-level play from these capable players, the team should trade at least one of them and gain assets for the rebuild. With the current season already being lost, the future is the most important thing right now for the Wizards.
For More NBA News and Rumors
For more great content follow me on X/Twitter Adam Geoffrey Cruz (@Geoffre25764200) / X (twitter.com) To view more great stories featuring the NBA or College Hoops click this link.