Three trades the Washington Wizards should consider if they decide to tank

Trading for some rising stars from the New York Knicks would give the Washington Wizards some key building blocks.

Kyle Kuzma is having a breakout season, averaging over 20 points for the first time in his career. He has size, scoring, playmaking, and a solid defense; all qualities that are more helpful on a playoff team than a rebuilding one.

Plus, when he opts out of his contract this summer, he is going to require over $20 million a year to re-sign. If the Washington Wizards choose to rebuild, giving 28-year-old Kuzma a multi-year deal at that price is not the best use of their money.

Therefore, it makes more sense to sell high on Kuzma and get some assets back. Kuzma is a good enough player to warrant a couple of solid young players or a decent first rounder plus a young talented player.

Enter the New York Knicks. They have a lot of future first-round draft picks and young players to choose from in a trade. And since they are desperately trying to make it into the playoffs, a fifth starter in Kuzma next to Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson core would do wonders for their playoff chances.

Cam Reddish has not thrived for either the Atlanta Hawks or the New York Knicks. But he is worth a flyer to see what he can become given his positional size and skill level. Obi Toppin has shown enough flashes in his limited minutes with his athleticism that he can be a rotation-level player with a chance to be more. Quickley is a dynamic, multi-dimensional scorer who has the potential to be a two-way starter-level player.

The Knicks have even more intriguing prospects like Jericho Sims or Miles McBride that they might be willing to part with for Kuzma.

The Wizards can decide who they like the best out of all these young players and combine them with a first-round pick or multiple second-round picks, as well.

If the Washington Wizards are able to cash in on any or all of these trades, it would start give them a great head start on their rebuild while also helping maximize their shot at the highly anticipated Victor Wembanyama.