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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b01cb4ac739f01e9e42883db2e3ada0f801bd33d81606ec56bb12e2cb210cb09.jpg)
Los Angeles Clippers receive: Tyus Jones
Washington Wizards receive: Robert Covington, 2028 1st round pick
The best way for the Wizards to acquire an additional first-round pick would be via trading Tyus Jones. He has earned a lot of goodwill around the league and his trade value is already high.
Plus, he is on an expiring contract. The Wizards may not want to sign a long-term contract with a 28-year-old undersized guard next summer. It may make more sense to move on from him and extract value before he can walk in free agency.
The addition of Robert Covington would add a veteran in the locker room and would provide the Wizards with an experienced defender. The loss of Jones would naturally force the coaching staff to play Poole at the point guard position with Ryan Rollins as his primary backup.
The Los Angeles Clippers might do this trade because they are in search of a solid point guard. After trying to trade for Malcolm Brogdon this summer and missing out on Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday, they are still looking. They may look to acquire James Harden from Philadelphia or look for a cheaper option if Sixers GM Daryl Morey doesn’t lower his asking price.
Following these trades, this is what the new depth chart for the Washington Wizards would look like:
PG: Jordan Poole / Ryan Rollins
SG: Corey Kispert / Bilal Coulibaly / Landry Shamet / Johnny Davis
SF: Deni Avdija / Matisse Thybulle
PF: Kyle Kuzma / Robert Covington / Patrick Baldwin Jr.
C: Daniel Gafford / Mo Bamba / P.J. Tucker
This is a more balanced, two-way roster. The Wizards front office will almost certainly make in-season moves, but we have to wait and see which direction they will choose to go.