As the season progresses, what most Washington Wizards fans already knew has become clear to everyone – This team is not going to win an NBA Championship this season. While that’s obvious, it does not mean this team can’t make a surprising run once the playoffs do roll around (If they get in).
While the roster as a whole does not create a legitimate championship contender, there are obvious pieces that could compete at that level in the right situation. The most obvious is star Bradley Beal, who doesn’t make this list because more than just the contenders will be interested in trading for him.
Instead, the focus here is on role players that provide the crucial traits to turn contenders into NBA Champions. Deadline moves can be the difference between a team falling short or standing tall at the conclusion of the playoffs.
These three players are capable of being the X-factor for contending teams. The Wizards will have to weigh their value to the current team against the value of the assets they could get back. While the Wizards aren’t competing this season, they need to do everything they can to be in the picture by next season.
Wizards Contenders will Call About – No. 3: Aaron Holiday
Point guard depth is not easy to come by in the NBA. The Wizards are blessed with some of it, in addition to the number of playmakers they have on the roster overall. With Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal displaying their playmaking recently, the Wizards have no shortage of players capable of initiating the offense.
While that may not be Holidays greatest strength, it is certainly something he can do. His greatest strength is shooting, another thing contenders can never get enough of. That’s why the Wizards should be expecting plenty of calls for their backup point guard who has yet to fully settle in in Washington.
Contenders will be hoping to get the depth guard cheap, but the Wizards shouldn’t be willing to move him if the price is not right. He offers a skillset contenders would love but the Wizards themselves should value highly.