Washington Wizards: 3 players at forward to consider trading for
By Ethan Smith
Josh Hart: Small Forward, New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have an exciting young core headlined by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram and featuring Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart in crucial supporting roles. Unfortunately, not everyone can stay in the Big Easy forever, and with Josh Hart heading towards restricted free agency this summer, he might be the odd man out.
Hart isn’t asked to do much more than rebound and defend in New Orleans. And he does that exceptionally well. He shoots a decent number of three-pointers (4.0 attempts per game), but isn’t much of a threat from out there and hasn’t shot above 34.5 percent from three since his rookie season (2017-18). However, rebounding and defense are just what the Wizards need.
In Washington, Hart wouldn’t need to be a big scorer, either. It’s his defensive versatility and rebounding ability that would make him a seamless fit alongside Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. With the duo currently averaging a combined 19.7 shots per game, there will barely be any left for Hart anyways.
dark. Next. Bradley Beal trade feels as unlikely as ever
Hart may be playing himself out of the Wizards’ price range. He’ll likely be getting a lot more than the $5.2 qualifying offer he’s due this offseason when he hits the open market. But if the Wizards can get him before the season ends, they’ll get his Bird Rights, and a leg up in any negotiations this offseason. If the Wizards think Hart’s defense is as valuable as Davis Bertans’ shooting, they could free up a lot of money for Hart by moving the Latvian Laser to a Pelicans team that may soon be without JJ Redick.