Do the Washington Wizards Have Any Untoucable Players?

Washington Wizards, NBA Trade Deadline 2016: Do the Wizards Have Any Untouchable Players?

The NBA Trade Deadline is right around the corner — just three days away, actually. Teams like the Washington Wizards whom are teetering on the edge of the playoffs and obscurity could look to acquire a piece or two in order to solidify their final push towards the postseason.

The rumors have already begun to heat up.

According to a report, the Washington Wizards have expressed interest in our old friend Trevor Booker, P.J. Tucker and Ryan Anderson.

While a deal hasn’t been completed yet, it’s good to see the team make calls around the league. It might seem like a solid idea to tank the season and obtain a high draft pick, but you won’t convince anyone on the team — especially John Wall and Randy Wittman — to do so.

So, while the Wizards might be looking to make a deal before the deadline, I asked myself: is anyone on the team truly untouchable? Here’s a quick breakdown.

I ranked the players in order by production or importance for the team.

John Wall:

Wall is undoubtedly the most important player on the Washington Wizards’ roster, but is he untouchable? If we’re going by the word’s exact definition: then no, absolutely not. But if we’re operating under the assumption that Stephen Curry or LeBron James wouldn’t be swapped for Wall: then yes, he’s untouchable.

I can’t think of a realistic deal where I’d swap Wall.

Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers would likely be willing to trade D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and others for Wall’s services, but the Wizards would likely decline. Besides that, I can’t think of any other realistic trades that the Wizards would even consider. Again: the Wizards can’t get someone like LeBron or Curry back, so I’d consider Wall untouchable.

And no, I’m not willing to trade him to Cleveland for Kyrie Irving. Shame on you for even thinking about that.

Marcin Gortat:

Gortat is the only reliable big man on the Washington Wizards’ roster. He rarely misses games, he protects the rim and he’s an efficient scorer inside. The problem is, Gortat will turn 32-years-old right before the trade deadline and recently signed a five-year contract extension with the team.

Gortat’s game will age well. He doesn’t rely on athleticism nor has he played a ridiculous amount of games at this point. Remember, he was a backup for most of his career before he landed with the Phoenix Suns a few years ago.

But, 32 is 32.

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The only better backup I could think of is Antonio Daniels, and he hasn’t played in the league since 1937.

We’ve gone through so many point guards, guys.

Shelvin Mack. A.J. Price. Shaun Livingston. Jannero Pargo. Kirk Hinrich.

Let’s appreciate Sessions.

He’s not untouchable, but I’d hate to see him get traded for nothing in return.

Garrett Temple:

Temple looks like one of the best players on the roster sometimes, but other times he looks like he should get sent back down to the NBA D-League. He’s the epitome of someone who just cannot put together five consistent games.

Still, Temple is a good perimeter defender and can play numerous positions. Everyone around the league loves him, too. He’s not untouchable.

Fim actually included Temple in many of his trade ideas recently.

Kelly Oubre:

He’s only 20-years-old and has so much upside. I wouldn’t trade Oubre unless he’s packaged for a Boogie Cousins or Blake Griffin. Other than that, I’d keep Oubre for as long as possible. I’m convinced he’s going to be an All-Star someday and I’d hate to see him blossom in New Orleans just for one year of Ryan Anderson.

He’s not untouchable, but unless you’re getting a star back in a package, I’d stay away from dealing Oubre.

Gary Neal:

Neal has played for every team in the league at this point. I admire his confidence and ability to make horrific shots. He’s been a valuable scorer off the bench. But he cannot defend a traffic cone. He scores then gives up layups on the other end.

Neal wouldn’t net more than a second round pick, I think. He’s not untouchable, obviously.

Kris Humphries:

Humphries hasn’t played since June, it seems like. He’s been banged up and the “let Humphries shoot threes” experiment was a disaster. Bernie Sanders has a better stroke than Hump.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like having players on the roster who don’t play. Not only does Humphries sit on the bench in suits, but he’s not very good when he does play. He did an admirable job filling in for Trevor Booker a few years ago, but he’s gotten old and stiff.

Humphries is definitely someone who could be dealt over the next few days.

DeJuan Blair:

Nah, man.

He’s one of John Wall’s best friends, but you have to go, DeJuan.

He seems like a great guy and he knows how to drive a hoverboard. But he’s really bad at basketball. He’s 5’11” and he plays center. That’s kind of an issue. Oh, and he does nothing well. He can’t defend, rebound or score. He’s bad.

Trade him for anything. The Wizards need players that can, you know, play. DeJuan, bless his heart, cannot.

Drew Gooden:

Gooden always seemed to step up when the Washington Wizards ran out of options.

He’d come in and randomly drop a double-double.

But he’s washed.

NBA Trade Deadline 2016: Do the Washington Wizards Have Any Untouchable Players?

By Ben Mehic | Feb 15, 2016

Washington Wizards, NBA Trade Deadline 2016: Do the Wizards Have Any Untouchable Players?

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