The Washington Wizards are seemingly waiting until the last possible moment to make the move that would get them from 17 players to the maximum allowed number of 15. This could take the form of trading or waiving at least two players. In a potential trade, the Wizards will likely prioritize receiving future draft assets and opening up playing time for their young players. One potential trade scenario can occur between the Wizards, the Indiana Pacers, and the Dallas Mavericks.
In this three-team construction, each side gets what they are looking for. The Mavericks get an upgrade from Tim Hardaway Jr to Buddy Hield, a much more reliable shooter and more dangerous scorer. They also save money and add financial flexibility since Hield is on an expiring contract. In return, they give a protected first-round pick in the future.
The Indiana Pacers are currently looking to trade Hield as the sides couldn’t agree to a contract extension. With this deal, they get two rotation-level players in return: Delon Wright and Landry Shamet. Shamet is a poor man’s Buddy Hield as he can bring solid three-point shooting off the bench. Wright, on the other hand, brings additional depth, veteran presence, and defensive playmaking.
Shamet is on a non-guaranteed contract after this season, while Wright’s deal is expiring, so Indiana maintains cap space going forward.
The Wizards, on the other hand, receive Tim Hardaway Jr. and a 2026 lottery-protected first-round pick from the Dallas Mavericks. Washington adds more draft assets as part of their rebuild. Hardaway Jr. is overpaid and has an extra year on his contract but he is still a productive player, who could help this young team with his floor-spacing. Plus, on an expiring contract next season, he could easily be traded again.
This may not be the sexiest three-team trade ever constructed. However, it fills a need for all three teams. And for the Washington Wizards, the near future needs to be about sensible rather than sexy trades.
Wizards: Delon Wright proves that he can contribute to a contender
The Washington Wizards veteran guard Delon Wright picked up where he left off in his first preseason game. He should be a trade target for many contenders.