Four players Washington Wizards should consider trading for before the deadline
By Cem Yolbulan
The Washington Wizards could try to leverage their young talent for a veteran big man to help control the paint.
Jakob Poeltl is one of the most underrated centers in the league. His 7’1” frame and great defensive instincts make him one of the best rim protectors in the league. He is not the most skilled offensive big man but he more than makes up for it with this interior presence on the defensive end. He averages 12 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game for the San Antonio Spurs this season. He would be an upgrade over Daniel Gafford and would form a formidable duo with Porzingis around the rim.
Gafford has disappointed recently and has not helped to curb the Wizards nasty habit of allowing large amounts of points in the paint. With his upcoming pay day, it may be best to just move on from the big man.
Trading Hachimura hurts as he seems to be just coming out of his shell, but this may be the perfect opportunity to trade high on the young forward as this could be the highest value he ever has.
Adding Poeltl could really help the Wiz stop the bleeding when it comes to opposing teams scoring at the rim as he has a looming presence at all times when he is on the floor. He could be the missing piece to push this team to its full potential.