Washington Wizards NBA Trade Deadline 2017: Four Targets That Won’t Require A First Round Pick
By Ryan Eugene
Trade target: Shabazz Muhammad
Another hot name is the Timberwolves’ fourth-year guard Shabazz Muhammad.
Muhammad is in the last year of his rookie deal, making him a restricted free agent, like Bogdanovic. Another similar trait is Muhammad’s scoring mentality and lack of defense.
This would probably be a cheaper option for the team, meaning that he may not be simply a rental.
What is curious about Minnesota trading Muhammad, is that with Zach LaVine out for the season, he has taken on a larger role in the offense, and is the team’s best bench scorer.
On the season, Muhammad is shooting an impressive 41% from three. He has been somewhat of a ball stopper on offense, with an assist % of 3.8%. For reference, that is slightly less than the Washington Wizards’ own Kelly Oubre Jr., meaning that a lineup with both of them on the floor could have a few issues with ball movement.
Muhammad is still only 24, and under Scott Brooks leadership, could continue to develop in Washington.
Of the available players linked to the Wizards, he was the highest draft pick, and despite being in his 4th season, he has only played 210 career games.