Wiz of Awes
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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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The final piece for the Wizards to trade is point guard Monte Morris. The 27-year-old floor general has one year on his deal worth $9.8 million. This makes him easily tradeable to any team looking for a backup point guard or an upgrade in that position. One of these teams is the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets are looking to take a step forward next season after three straight miserable seasons at the bottom of the league. Since they owe their first-round pick next year, they will try to win as many games as possible. To do that, they need better point guard play and a solid veteran presence.

Morris provides both.

Houston is reportedly interested in big free-agent names like James Harden, but even if they were to sign one of these names, they still have enough cap space to make other moves, including taking on Morris’ contract without giving up matching salary.

The Wizards could take a flyer on one of Houston’s young players like TyTy Washington, Usman Garuba, or Josh Christopher. However, it might make more sense for Washington to fill their draft asset cabinet. A heavily-protected first-round pick or multiple high second-round picks seem like fair value for Morris.

This sort of trade also helps the Wizards shed salary off their books, giving them much-needed cap flexibility. They could use this cap space to sign intriguing free agents who fit their timeline or carry it into the season to take on bad contracts in exchange for young talent.

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