Washington Wizards: 4 players the Wizards should target during trade season
By Ethan Smith
The Washington Wizards could start their offseason with a trade instead of a draft pick. Here are four names the team should consider as the trade season opens.
Buckle up, everybody. After months of speculation around if and when the NBA season — and offseason — will begin. We’ve finally got some answers.
We’ve known for a while now that the 2020 NBA Draft will be on Wednesday, November 18. But the recent decision to lift the trade moratorium on Monday, November 16, at noon, ensures this will be a frenzied offseason
Trade season begins Monday afternoon, sources tell ESPN. Teams were informed the NBA’s moratorium will end at noon ET and deals can begin to be consummated.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 15, 2020
We’re in for a month of rapid-fire moves before the season officially tips off on Tuesday, December 22. The Washington Wizards won’t have a ton of wiggle room in free agency. So they’ll likely need to get involved in the trade market if they want to bring in any big pieces before opening night.
Here are four trade targets the Washington Wizards should have their eyes on.
Mitchell Robinson
The New York Knicks are rumored to be trying to move up in the NBA Draft. A move like that according to NBA Insider Chad Ford, would need to include Mitchell Robinson. And although the Wizards can’t hep the Knicks move up in the Draft, the Wizards should be calling about Robinson.
Robinson might not be the “modern” NBA center. In his 127-game NBA career, Robinson has never attempted a single three-point shot. However, Robinson does everything the Wizards, as currently constructed, need from their center. He rebounds well, and his team rebounding rate from last season (16.2 percent) was better than any Wizards player that played more than 15 games. His ability on the offensive boards is especially impressive. His offensive rebound rate (13.7 percent) was sixth in the NBA and was a major reason the Knicks led the NBA in second-chance points last season.
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The 22-year-old would also solve the Wizards’ rim protection problem overnight. His block rate last season (8.0 percent) was second in the NBA to only Hasaan Whiteside. And that number is actually a bit lower than what he posted in his rookie season — 10.0 percent block rate.
Robinson is on an extremely team-friendly contract for the next two seasons. He’s set to make $1.6 million during the 2020-21 season and has a $1.8 million team option for the 2021-22 season. Deal or no deal, the Wizards need to see what’s up.