Washington Wizards: Potential Delon Wright trade with Hornets is intriguing

The Washington Wizards are almost done reshaping their roster for the 2023-24 season. The last domino to fall in their efforts to get younger for their rebuild is Delon Wright. According to the latest by Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, Delon Wright is a trade target for the Charlotte Hornets. They would certainly be an attractive trade partner for the Wizards.

Delon Wright fits in Charlotte perfectly to replace Dennis Smith Jr who did not re-sign with the team this offseason, as a defensive-minded guard. Wright could play next to Lamelo Ball or come off the bench along with young players like Nick Smith Jr. He makes sense as the adult in a room full of newly-drafted young players.

Charlotte has to consolidate some of its young players

Fortunately for the Wizards, the Charlotte Hornets have plenty of intriguing assets to put in the trade. Charlotte has a surplus of young talent but they are not going to part ways with the likes of Brandon Miller, Nick Smith Jr, or Mark Williams anytime soon. But, players that are lower on the totem pole for the organization may be acquirable. This list includes Kai Jones, Nick Richards, JT Thor, and James Bouknight.

All of these prospects would be fair value for Delon Wright in a trade.

Kai Jones is a 22-year-old combo big who was the 19th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He has an impressive body and incredible athleticism that the Wizards can look to develop.

Nick Richards was the 42nd overall pick in 2020 and showed enticing two-way ability as a center. He can score inside and protect the rim reasonably well. He is already 25 and his upside is not elite, but he is a serviceable big that would fill a hole for Washington.

JT Thor hasn’t been able to showcase his intriguing skill set so far in the NBA, but as the 37th overall pick in 2021, he was projected to be a rangy, athletic, stretch power forward. If he can finally combine his excellent size, long wingspan, athleticism, and on-ball skills, he can be a decent rotation player in the NBA.

James Bouknight was an exciting lottery pick only two years ago. He had the profile of an on-ball creator and shotmaker at the draft. However, he hasn’t been able to make enough shots or improve in other areas of his game. He clearly needs a change of scenery, and Washington can provide that with playing time and patience. He is a low-risk, high-reward type of gamble that the Wizards can consider.

Wizards may prefer not to take back salary and get draft compensation instead

It’s important to note that depending on what Charlotte does with their current free agents Kelly Oubre Jr and PJ Washington, they can just take Delon Wright into their cap space without giving up any of their players. This probably means the Wizards will receive a second-rounder or two as they did in the Monte Morris deal.

The Washington Wizards will have plenty of options to consider in a Delon Wright trade with the Charlotte Hornets. Regardless of the package the two teams decide on, the Wizards will likely add another piece to their asset cabinet, hopefully, it turns out to be a valuable one.