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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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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Washington Wizards receive: Mo Bamba, P.J. Tucker

Philadelphia 76ers receive: Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala

This trade would give the Wizards a 25-year-old big man who can block shots, grab rebounds, and shoot three-pointers. Bamba averaged 1.3 blocks over his career while playing 18 minutes per game. His defensive rebounding percentage is 25.1%, making him one of the game’s best defensive rebounders. He shoots a career 35.9% from three, giving the Wizards a stretch 5 option without sacrificing defense and rebounding.

The loss of both Gallinari and Muscala would reduce the potency of the Wizards offense substantially. However, it makes the Wizards younger and substantially improves their rebounding and shot-blocking. Bamba can do plenty of the things Muscala does offensively while also contributing defensively. He hasn’t had a chance to be a consistent rotation player. Being the primary backup option in Washington will help with his confidence and development.

Philadelphia has a logjam at the center position. Bamba is behind Joel Embiid and Paul Reed in the depth chart. Unless either player misses extended time, he doesn’t project to be in the rotation, rendering him acquirable via a trade. This deal would give the Sixers more scoring threats, something they will struggle with in the absence of James Harden.

P.J. Tucker, on the other hand, obviously doesn’t fit Washington’s timeline. As good as he would be as a locker-room presence, he would more than likely get waived to be picked up by a contending team in this scenario.

This deal would also have to be a trade deadline move given the restrictions.

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