Washington Wizards: 3 Questions that will be answered at the Trade Deadline
By Jamal Bedell
No. 1 – Does Washington make a move to improve their wing depth?
The Wizards need an upgrade at the wing/forward position. ASAP! Yes, at 15-27, Washington must improve in more than a few areas, but they need to address their depth at the forward position first. No disrespect to Garrison Mathews or Deni Avdija, but their play this year has been subpar at best. In 18 starts at forward, Mathews is averaging 5.7 PPG and 1.9 RPG, and Avdija is averaging 7.2 PPG and 4.1 RPG in his 17 starts on the year.
If the Wizards are thinking playoffs this year, then that just won’t cut it. Mathews and Avdija are probably better suited to come off the bench at this stage of their careers. Washington is already thin at the forward position at the moment with Davis Bertans expected to miss up to two weeks due to a calf injury. If management is serious about Washington remaining relevant in the Eastern Conference this year, they should strongly consider bringing in some reinforcements.
That’s easier said than done, though. With very little trade bait, the Wizards will have to monitor the market closely to find a forward that can come in and instantly raise the production at that position. They may be out of the running when it comes to acquiring some bigger targets like Aaron Gordon from the Orlando Magic or Harrison Barnes from the Sacramento Kings. However, some other teams will probably be looking to shed salary and get rid of veterans to embrace the youth movement.
Next. 4 trade deadline wishlist targets. dark
If so, the Washington Wizards should be buyers without question! Rudy Gay, Josh Hart, Alec Burks, Kyle Anderson, and Terrence Ross are a few vets that come to mind. They’re all great options and would be instant improvements at the forward spot. Who knows if Washington has the assets to acquire these players or if they’re even available, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to reach out and see! The Wizards have to get creative in bringing in more talent because their playoff hopes are slipping away slowly.