3 trades that set the Washington Wizards up for the offseason

Trade 3: Upgrade at Point Guard

Wizards Receive: Lonzo Ball

Bulls Receive: Monte Morris, Delon Wright, and multiple second round picks.

Why the Wizards say yes: Both Monte Morris and Delon Wright have been pretty effective for the Wizards, but as singular players, have been mostly unspectacular. Morris can’t seem to generate pressure or gravity and the rim and Wright’s offense leaves plenty to desire. Additionally, with growing logjam at the guard spot (it’s time to convert Jordan Goodwin), this writer wishes the two of Morris and Wright could’ve become one complete player. Enter: Lonzo Ball. While he’s currently dealing with a suspicious knee injury, a healthy Ball provides the offensive efficiency that Morris brings and the perimeter defense of Wright that’s helped the Wizards limit some of the games more potent scorers. His unselfish play would fit brilliantly next to Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma, and he’s young enough that an extension would make sense for both sides.

Why the Bulls says yes: Admittedly, this all depends on the Bulls vision for the future, and whether they plan to blow it up, or simply retool around their stars. Vucevic is an expiring, so there will be financial relief there, but the Bulls are currently $29 million over the cap. Vucevic’s exit won’t save them real cap space. Considering the role Lonzo Ball has played so far, does it make sense for the Bulls to continue paying him $20 million a year? Or should they flip him now, or even blow it up altogether? Morris and Wright each offer a little bit of what Ball brings, while also maintaining relatively good health. In this case, the Bulls obtain moveable contacts if/when they decide to want direction to take in the offseason. Given Lonzo’s injury status, productive players and second round picks seems like a fair offer.

Or Make it One Big 4-Team Trade

The Wizards could execute all of this as three separate teams, but the trade works as one big four-team firework. Might be harder to pull off if every team is in the know, but hey, at least it looks pretty.