Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: 3 potential Porzingis trades once he picks up his player option

By Cem Yolbulan

SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards attends the press conference 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 attends the press conference 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors

Another Eastern Conference playoff-hopeful team that could be interested in Porzingis’ services is the Toronto Raptors. After an underwhelming season that saw them miss the playoffs, Toronto is poised to make big changes this offseason. Two weaknesses that have been plaguing them for years are shooting and offensive firepower. Porzingis can help solve these issues.

The Raptors’ roster is full of physical slashers who like to put pressure on the rim. However, they don’t have sufficient spacing for the likes of Pascal Siakam, Scottie Barnes, and OG Anunoby, for them to fully thrive as offensive players. Adding Porzingis, one of the best shooting centers in the league, to the mix, will open up the Raptors’ offense.

The main matching salary in a potential deal would be Gary Trent Jr. A career %38 three-point shooter on good volume, Trent Jr is a promising shooting guard who could easily become a consistent 20-points-per-game scorer. He also has a player option for next season, but he is expected to pick it up like Porzingis.

To further balance the trade financially, another salary that can be added is Chris Boucher. Boucher is a very poor man’s Porzingis with an ability to block shots and hit three-pointers without not being able to do much else. He could be a fine bench piece on a rebuilding Wizards.

To make it worth Washington’s while, a protected future first-round pick could be added into the mix.

It’s not clear what direction the Raptors are headed after their new coaching hire; Darko Rajakovic. However, if they are trying to contend next season, Porzingis could be the missing piece to their core group.

Home/Wizards Rumors