Washington Wizards NBA Trade Deadline 2017: Wizards Interested In Shabazz Muhammad
By Ben Mehic
Washington Wizards are looking to add a scorer to their second unit and could trade for Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad.
As Tuesday night winds down, the Washington Wizards – along with the rest of the league – are looking to improve their roster with hopes of making a serious push in the NBA Playoffs.
The NBA Trade Deadline is February 23, giving teams just a few more days to add talent.
Washington’s bench is currently 29th in scoring and last in field goal percentage. The off-season additions, particularly Trey Burke, Tomas Satoransky and Andrew Nicholson, haven’t panned out.
Scott Brooks has been forced to rely heavily on the starters, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for longevity.
Ernie Grunfeld has been working his phone, attempting to acquire a scoring spark for the team’s second unit. Washington’s front office has become notorious for addressing needs after the off-season.
Recently, the Wizards have been linked to a number of score-first players, including Lou Williams (who’s been dealt to the Houston Rockets) and Bogdan Bogdanovic. Washington is also rumored to have interest in P.J. Tucker, who fits the traditional 3-and-D mold.
Shabazz Muhammad will be added to the list of players, according to Marc Stein.
Washington has shown interest in Minnesota's Shabazz Muhammad, according to league sources, as the Wiz continue to search for bench upgrades
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 22, 2017
Muhammad, who was a top recruit out of high school, has failed to live up to expectations for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Once believed to have star potential, Muhammad doesn’t possess an elite skill, making him a high-volume scorer.
This season, Muhammad has averaged 9.4 points on 47 percent shooting. He’s also hitting an impressive 41 percent of his looks from deep.
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Muhammad has one year left on his contract, worth $4.2 million.
Muhammad, 24, is a prototypical shooting guard and would provide the scoring the Washington Wizards’ second unit desperately needs.
The former 14th overall pick has untapped potential that’s likely intriguing to Scott Brooks, who’s gotten the most out of his wing players.
Otto Porter has blossomed into one of the league’s most effective forwards.
Muhammad doesn’t have the length nor the shooting touch Porter possesses, but he does do things that don’t show up on the box score.
Most guards in the NBA don’t focus on scoring inside the post, but Muhammad has become known for his physicality in the paint.
At 6-foot-6, Muahmmad is big enough to have an advantage inside against most guards. He can also share time at the small-forward spot.
Washington is reportedly willing to part ways with their first-round draft pick for bench help.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to make one final run towards the NBA Playoffs, so they will likely want an immediate contributor. Tomas Satoransky, for example, could be included in a potential deal.