Wiz of Awes
Fansided

3 easily acquirable centers the Washington Wizards should consider trading for

By Cem Yolbulan

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 10: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the New York Knicks during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Paul Reed

Another center who has impressed as a backup so far in his career but doesn’t have a path to start is the Philadelphia 76ers’ big man Paul Reed. The outlook for Reed is even less promising as he is behind the reigning MVP Joel Embiid.

However, Reed always found a way to shine in the limited minutes he played in his career. Last season, he played 11 minutes per game in 69 games, averaging 4.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks. There is every reason to believe that he would significantly increase his numbers in an expanded role elsewhere.

The Wizards could give him this expanded role. He is only 24 years old and provides something the rest of the Wizards’ big-man rotation can’t. He is quick, athletic, and can guard multiple positions. His ability to switch out to the perimeter and defend smaller players is truly impressive. He combines his lateral quickness with solid help defense as well. He can protect the rim, get steals, and run in transition.

He can be squeezed out of a rotation spot in Philadelphia’s frontcourt logjam. Besides Embiid, Philadelphia has PJ Tucker and Mo Bamba who can get minutes at center, limiting Reed’s playing time. Reed had signed a 3-year, $23 million offer sheet with the Utah Jazz this summer before Philadelphia agreed to match. There is a scenario in which Reed is disgruntled and wants to move to a team where he can play more minutes. The Washington Wizards should emerge as a candidate in that situation.

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