The Washington Wizards are expected to be among the most active NBA teams during the 2022 NBA Draft. There are a few reasons for that, most notably the need for the franchise to take a big step forward this offseason despite having limited resources.
It’s all but certain the franchise will continue trying to sell fans on a Bradley Beal-led team. With that being the assumption here, a draft-night trade could be the difference between more treading water or creating a new ceiling on a team that still rosters Beal.
It’s about finding a way to bring in a special prospect during this year’s Draft. That could come in several different ranges in the first round, and potential partners are plentiful.
There is an alternative, though, one that many Wizards fans don’t want to think much about. That would be the Wizards trading for veteran talent during the draft, giving up some combination of young talent and or draft assets.
The Wizards could sit back and let their board fall to them at the tenth overall pick, as well. The problem with this approach would be finding the caliber of talent they need. Not only long term but also short term.
Is there a potential franchise player at ten? If there is, will Tommy Sheppard and Co. be able to identify and select him? Questions are fair across the board, especially if we see the Wizards keep their pick and add little value in addition to it.
They’re already floating the idea that they really like up to 15 players in this draft class. That could be taken a number of ways, including with some concern.
We’re identifying three potential draft-night trade partners. The partnership must work for both side