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Grade the trade: Wizards add shooting, defense in proposed 3-team deal

By Cem Yolbulan

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Caris LeVert #3 and Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defend against Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on April 02, 2022 in New York City. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 02: Caris LeVert #3 and Isaac Okoro #35 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defend against Evan Fournier #13 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on April 02, 2022 in New York City. 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 Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Wizards still need to make moves ahead of the regular season. They have 17 guaranteed contracts on the roster and need to get it down to 15 before the start of the season. The best way to get there for the Wizards is by trading their veterans who have trade value on the market. In such transactions, Washington can prioritize opening up more playing time for its youngsters, adding more draft picks, and taking a flyer on players with potential.

The Wizards are already fielding calls for Landry Shamet, Delon Wright, and Danilo Gallinari. This makes sense considering the age of this group and the Wizards’ timeline. One or more of these players will likely be moved ahead of the season opener. There is one trade construction that accomplishes everything the Wizards presumably want in a transaction:

In this three-team scenario, the Cleveland Cavaliers receive Delon Wright in exchange for their former lottery pick Isaac Okoro. Wright is an excellent fit in Cleveland as he can slot next to Darius Garland or Donovan Mitchell and take on the tough defensive assignments. The New York Knicks turn Evan Fournier into Danilo Gallinari and Landry Shamet for a small price of two second-round picks. Gallinari and Shamet provide much-needed shooting and floor-spacing for the Knicks.

The Washington Wizards acquire Evan Fournier, Isaac Okoro, and two second-rounders in exchange for Wright, Shamet, and Gallinari. This package is as good as the Wizards can do for that trio.

Evan Fournier is unhappy in New York as he is not a part of coach Tom Thibodeau’s plans. He is certainly overpaid as he is making $18.8 million this season. However, he has a team option for the 2024-25 season that will likely be declined, so his contract isn’t too big of a burden in the future. Plus, he can still play and help the Wizards with his floor-spacing. Washington should be willing to take him on in exchange for some draft compensation.

Okoro is a worthy gamble. He is still 22 years old. Despite not meeting the expectations in Cleveland in his first three seasons in the league, he still has an upside as an elite guard defender. His potential as an above-average offensive player is probably no longer there. Still, he would be a solid fit next to Jordan Poole or Tyus Jones to provide toughness, physicality, and perimeter defense.

We have to wait to see what roster moves the Wizards front office decides to do. If they manage to add an intriguing young player or draft assets while opening up playing time for their own young players, it should be considered a success.

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