Washington Wizards: 3 predictions for the NBA’s trade deadline
![PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: The Washington Wizards bench reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter of the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wizards defeated the 76ers 112-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) \](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fec1a51bf23fa51a5f64791d09c9669fc638e3c93b71bf99450c43a76658f67f9.jpg "PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: The Washington Wizards bench reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter of the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 18, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Wizards defeated the 76ers 112-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) \")
Washington trades a point guard and trades for a point guard
One of Washington’s largest issues this season has been the point guard slot. While it’s possible that all goes away with John Wall’s return at the end of this season or the next, the Wizards are very likely to look into acquiring another ball-handler at the deadline.
Washington signed Thomas to a one-year deal in the offseason, and he’s largely underwhelmed as both a starter or in the second unit. The 30-year old is averaging 12.4 points and 4 assists in 23.7 minutes per game.
Thomas’ name has already been floated out as attractive to some contending teams with a need for scoring, but all he’s doing for the Wizards is clogging up the offense. Look for his departure at the deadline, or potentially a buyout if he remains on the roster past February 6.
While backup Ish Smith has shown promise and very well may be entering his peak at the age of 31, there are younger and more longterm options available. Names like Delon Wright, Kris Dunn, or Quinn Cook could all be had in theory, for the right price.
Washington could use a Bertans trade to acquire their next point guard or find another means of trading for a ball handler. But the need for another point guard remains, and they’ll have to act now, or in the offseason when talent is often more expensive.