Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: Holding onto Delon Wright until trade deadline makes sense

By Cem Yolbulan

SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Delon Wright #55 of the Washington Wizards blocks a shot during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 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 Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 30: Delon Wright #55 of the Washington Wizards blocks a shot during the Golden State Warriors v Washington Wizards - NBA Japan Games at the Saitama Super Arena on September 30, 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 Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards already received an underwhelming return for one veteran guard in a trade, and if the trade packages for Delon Wright are as weak as it was for Monte Morris, they should consider holding onto Delon Wright until the trade deadline.

The latest reporting suggests that there are potential suitors for Delon Wright, namely the Charlotte Hornets. If Charlotte offers a decent young player or multiple second-round picks, the Wizards should move Wright this summer. However, keeping Wright around for a while in a veteran mentor role is not the worst alternative.

Delon Wright was one of the unsung heroes for Washington last season. The team performed much better with him on the floor as the 31-year-old guard provided much-needed toughness, grit, and defensive brilliance to the Wizards. Wright’s knack for help defense and his ability to guard multiple positions could be valuable assets to the young, rebuilding Wizards.

The way Wright was able to carve out a successful career despite limited offensive capabilities could be an excellent example to Johnny Davis and other young Wizards. His level of discipline and effort on the defensive end can help set the tone for the team, while he can mentor the likes of Bilal Coulibaly, Davis, and Ryan Rollins.

Every young team needs a veteran presence. The Houston Rockets of the last few years suffered from a lack of adults in the room, and the Wizards shouldn’t follow in their footsteps. Veterans who have been in the league for a long time can provide accountability for the young players. And Delon Wright fits that bill perfectly.

If the Wizards use Wright in short spurts off the bench, this would help him look better and keep him fresh when a team wants to trade for him at the trade deadline. Unless there is an unexpected injury, Wright should retain his value during the regular season.

A team is more likely to be desperate in-season to offer more in a trade package. The Wizards can elect that path with Wright if the offers are underwhelming right now. It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to have Delon Wright around for a little longer to help build a winning culture in Washington.

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