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Washington Wizards: 3 potential trades for full roster teardown

By Cem Yolbulan

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 26: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards sits with teammate Kristaps Porzingis #6 on the bench against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 26, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 26: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards sits with teammate Kristaps Porzingis #6 on the bench against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 26, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Kristaps Porzingis had a wonderful season last year, demonstrating his ability to stay healthy for an extended period of time. With his unique skill set of shooting and rim protecting, he is a very valuable player who could solve a lot of issues for playoff teams.

One of these teams is the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans have a slew of young talent they are developing while intending to be competitive and make the playoffs. One area they are lacking is outside shooting. Players like Herb Jones, and Dyson Daniels struggle to make shots while their star Zion Williamson needs optimum spacing to fully thrive.

There are ongoing rumors about Williamson and the possibility of him changing teams. Porzingis would be a valuable add even if Williamson were to leave, giving the Pels another offensive weapon and being the defensive anchor they need. And if Zion were to stay, his fit with Porzingis is perfect.

In return, the Wizards get Jonas Valanciunas, an overpaid but productive center who is not a very good fit with the Pelicans next to Williamson. Furthermore, Washington receives Larry Nance Jr and Dyson Daniels. Nance Jr is a switchable big man who provides toughness on the defensive end. Daniels is a 20-year-old prospect who was the 8th-pick overall last season. He is an intelligent player with great defensive instincts and intriguing on-ball abilities.

Daniels is the main value here for the Wizards, but he could easily be replaced by Trey Murphy or Herb Jones depending on what negotiating sides prefer.

Nance Jr and Valanciunas don’t fit on a rebuilding team either, but they could easily be flipped for positive value again at the trade deadline.

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