Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 4 Free agent fixes for next season

By Jack Skolnik

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat looks on against the Cleveland Cavaliers during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Tristan Thompson
Washington Wizards Tristan Thompson (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

4. Tristan Thompson

Surprise, Surprise.

After some rumors swirled around about the Wizards being interested  in Thompson at the trade deadline, it would be no surprise to see them interested in him this summer.

As far as fit goes, Thompson would be perfect. The other day I wrote a piece about how I am not sure Thomas Bryant is the right guy to start at C for the Wiz. Bryant’s not the guy for good, TT could be the guy for now.

Now in his ninth NBA season, Thompson brings the same thing to the table that he has always brought: rim protection and defense. Two things the Wizards desperately need.

He is another guy who fits in because he does not require a lot of touches on offense, but is still having a great year on that end, averaging a career-high 12.2 points per game in Cleveland.

The points are great but his rim protection is probably his most redeeming quality. Thompson is a physical big man who is not afraid to use his six fouls. He is big enough to guard both 4s and 5s and has enough speed and strength to stick with either.

With Bryant being a better offensive threat, Thompson would be a solid fit with the starting group where he could provide defensive help when scoring isn’t really a problem.

Having a guy who could suck up rebounds and play in the pick and roll with Wall is always going to valuable for he Wizards, and Thompson may be the best one PnR partner of Wall’s career.

The Wizards have proven time and time again this season that scoring if no problem, so any free agency move should be made with defense in mind.

Tristan Thompson, if available, would absolutely be a huge upgrade both for the center position and for the defense, as a whole.

Next. Is Thomas Bryant the answer at center?. dark

The Wizards will have to be smart with their use of the MLE whether that means they use the full thing on one impact player or if they try and break it up to sign multiple bargain players.

Regardless of how they end up using it, these guys could help the Wizards in their quest for a resurgence next season.

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