Washington Wizards: 3 potential Chris Paul trades to help him contend
By Cem Yolbulan
Chris Paul is still chasing that championship ring, the only thing missing from his illustrious Hall-of-Fame career. An option that would give him the best chance at a title is the Miami Heat.
The Heat, having made two NBA finals in four years, is trying to get more help for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. With Kyle Lowry’s decline and Gabe Vincent’s looming free agency, they may be short of talent at the point guard position. Chris Paul can help solve that.
Miami has their eyes on bigger fish this offseason, reportedly chasing Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers. However, if they fail to acquire him, there are no other obvious additions for the Heat to take them to the next level. They can potentially be interested in a deal that nets them Chris Paul without giving up much.
In return, the Wizards would acquire two mid-level contracts, Duncan Robinson and Victor Oladipo. Oladipo is going to be recovering from a gruesome knee injury for most of next season, but he is going to be on an expiring contract. The Wizards can decide to re-sign him or let him go next summer.
Robinson, on the other hand, could be an important piece for the rebuild in Washington. He is a premium shooter with a lot of off-ball gravity that will help space the floor for the Wizards’ young players. His shortcomings on the defensive end will not be an issue for a Wizards team that is not trying to contend any time soon.
Robinson has two more guaranteed years on his deal, making about $18 million next season. The Wizards could use his services for a season or a season and a half before trading him for a positive return. Someone with his offensive capabilities should have a substantial market going forward.
