Wiz of Awes
Fansided

4 trades using the 8th pick to make the Wizards a contender

By Cem Yolbulan

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Kuminga slam dunked and was fouled on the play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA game at Chase Center on January 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Jonathan Kuminga #00 and Jordan Poole #3 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after Kuminga slam dunked and was fouled on the play against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of an NBA game at Chase Center on January 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Raptors receive: Johnny Davis, Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, the no. 8 pick, a protected 2027 first-round pick

Wizards receive: OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby is another wing who fits perfectly into the hole in the Wizards’ starting lineup. One of the best perimeter defenders in the league, Anunoby guards multiple positions, hits open threes and provides size, strength, and athleticism. He can take the toughest defensive assignment every single night without taking anything off the table offensively. A Beal-Anunoby-Kuzma-Porzingis quartet is a very solid two-way group to build the rest of your team on. On top of all of it, Anunoby is only 26 years old and is on one of the most team-friendly deals in the league, making $18.6 million for the 2023-24 season.

An additional first-round pick may initially seem like a lot to give up for a sub-All-Star level player. Still, Anunoby’s age combined with the rising salary cap under the new CBA will make him very tradeable if the Wizards decide to change course later. Signing Anunoby to a long-term deal would allow the Wizards’ core to grow together, as Anunoby, Kuzma, Beal, and Porzingis are all between 26 and 30 years old.

This deal also requires Toronto to decide on a rebuild. Nick Nurse’s departure, Fred Vanvleet’s free agency, and another disappointing season with the same core may make that decision easier for them. Two first-round picks and three young players is a good return for a non-superstar, despite them having better offers on the table last trade deadline. It is unclear whether those deals will still be available this offseason with only one year remaining on Anunoby’s bargain contract. The Wizards should make their best offer regardless.

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