This trade proposal between the Wizards and Pelicans helps both sides
By Cem Yolbulan
Now that the Washington Wizards are in rebuilding mode, they will be one of the more active teams in the next few years until they find a young core they love. Until then, they will try to find value in different transactions. Any player with trade value that they can trade for younger players or draft compensation will presumably be available via trade. One such player is Tyus Jones.
Jones is a valuable point guard who knows how to run an NBA offense. He doesn’t make any mistakes and doesn’t take anything off the table. He is one of the most underrated floor generals in the league. Any team can use such a player, especially in their prime. This includes the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans, perhaps more than any other playoff-hopeful team, need a table-setter offensively. They played the entire last season without a true point guard, with CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram taking over playmaking duties while Zion Williamson missed most of the season. Considering Zion Williamson’s availability issues and McCollum’s age, New Orleans needs a solid, consistent playmaker at the point guard position to set the young Pelicans up offensively.
Tyus Jones provides that for them. Additionally, they add Mike Muscala to the mix, an excellent offensive fit next to the relentless attacking style of Williamson. Muscala would help space the floor for Williamson and his unstoppable rim drives.
Moreover, the Pelicans get cheaper and reduce their tax bill. They shed Jonas Valanciunas’ $15.4 million contract for the 2023-24 season. Despite being a productive big man, Valanciunas has been a poor fit next to Williamson. This move makes them a more balanced, better-fitting roster.
The Washington Wizards, on the other hand, receive two intriguing young guards in addition to Valanciunas. Losing Tyus Jones may not be ideal, but his contract is expiring next summer, and it’s not clear whether the Wizards want to lose financial flexibility for a multi-year deal for Jones.
Jose Alvarado is one of the most fun bench guards to watch in the NBA. He is undersized but more than makes up for it with his hustle, energy, and toughness. He is a menace defensively and has enough playmaking and shooting ability on the offensive end to keep defenses honest. He is the ideal “high-character” player the Wizards are prioritizing and would be an excellent piece to help build a winning culture in Washington.
Kira Lewis Jr. has had an unfortunate, injury-riddled beginning to his NBA career. Since being drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Lewis Jr. wasn’t able to stay healthy for long enough to demonstrate what he is capable of. However, he is still 22 years old, and as a prospect, he was one of the fastest, most dynamic young point guards in the country. He still has the upside to be an exciting playmaker off the dribble. He is worth a flyer for the Wizards.
Whether the Washington Wizards are planning to do any major moves before the start of the season remains unclear. They will certainly have plenty of suitors for Tyus Jones if they decide to move him. This potential deal with the New Orleans Pelicans is one of many that they can consider.
