Wiz of Awes
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3 trades that set the Washington Wizards up for the offseason

By Caleb Sarvis

SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards defends during the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards defends during the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jun Sato/WireImage) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 02: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-83. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 02: Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks in action against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden on January 02, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Phoenix Suns 102-83. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Trade 1: Free Their First Round Picks

Wizards Receive: Evan Fournier, Rights to their own 2023 First Round Pick

Knicks Receive: Will Barton and Corey Kispert

Why the Wizards say yes: While losing Kispert sounds less than ideal, regaining control of their 2023 first round pick is essential to the Wizards making a significant move this offseason. Because of the protections included with this pick, it may not convey until 2026, meaning the earliest the Wizards can trade a first round pick is 2028. This isn’t helpful now or even next season. By getting their pick back, the Wizards will be able to trade a first round pick as early as this year, given them the ammo they need to take a shot this summer. Will Barton is out of the rotation, so it doesn’t make sense to hold onto his salary, and Fournier can do a lot of what Kispert currently does. The $18 million salary is not only worth it to regain rights to that first round pick, but it’s a moveable contract in the offseason.

Why the Knicks say yes: Returning our first-round pick is a tough pill to swallow, but to get a young and more affordable version of Evan Fournier gives the Knicks much more financial leverage as they continue to work around the money owed to Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and R.J. Barrett’s upcoming extension. The Knicks will continue to have their own pick, as well as two first round picks from Detroit and Dallas respectively. Kispert is a prove shooter, an underrated cutter, and has great size for a two-guard. Will Barton falls off the books after this year, and best-case scenario he fills a role for a team expected to compete in the playoffs.

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