Wiz of Awes
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Grade the trades: 3 proposals to help the Wizards get younger

By Jay Hanson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 25: Delon Wright #55 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball while being guarded by Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 25, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 25: Delon Wright #55 of the Washington Wizards dribbles the ball while being guarded by Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 25, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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The upcoming season for the Washington Wizards is a year of evaluation for both the coaching staff and the players; therefore, the younger players should be given extra playing time in order to develop. Unfortunately, the team is laden with aged talent which prevents the Wizards from giving sufficient minutes to their younger players.

The oldest players on the Wizards are Danilo Gallinari (35), Mike Muscala (32), Delon Wright (31), and Anthony Gill (31).

Landry Shamet, a frequent name mentioned as a potential trade asset, is only 26 and should have plenty of upside left in his career. Tyus Jones is similarly 27.

The biggest needs to be addressed for the Wizards are a backup center, a defensive wing, and draft assets. The utilization of Muscala and Gallinari as backup centers suggests that the coaching staff and management prefer 3-point shooting bigs for spacing purposes over traditional big men.  Muscala and Gallinari do not excel in rebounding or blocking, but they are knockdown three-point shooters.

The only name on the list that the Wizards should have serious reservations about trading is Delon Wright, although it makes all the sense in the world to trade him. Wright is by far the Wizards’ best perimeter defender and a solid passer. If he wanted to stay in DC, not only should he be allowed to stay for however long he wants, but he should also be the team’s starting point guard.

Absent that miracle happening, here are a few trade ideas that can help the Wizards skew younger and obtain strong defensive players.

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