5 backup centers that Washington Wizards should consider trading for
By Cem Yolbulan
Paul Reed
This is perhaps the least acquirable player on this list. Reed will likely never play more than 15 minutes a night as Joel Embiid’s backup. Yet, his role in the rotation is so set in stone that the Philadelphia 76ers wouldn’t move on from him unless things weren’t working out. However, there is a chance things in Philadelphia may go poorly and the Sixers need to change things up. In that case, Reed can be acquirable in exchange for one of Washington’s backcourt or wing players.
Reed is the perfect backup big as he can play different schemes depending on the rest of the personnel on the court. He can switch out on the perimeter and guard smaller players or he can play drop coverage and protect the rim. He is an active and impactful help defender thanks to his length, mobility, and athleticism. In fact, if Washington were to acquire him, he could even start ahead of Daniel Gafford.
Regardless of what his role in Washington would be, Reed is the type of player the Wizards will need to target. Only 24 years old and in the first year of a 3-year, $23 million deal, Reed has the upside to significantly outplay his contract. The Wizards have the ability to offer a bigger role and more playing time to players of Reed’s stature. They can use this to their advantage to lure young players with potential. That can start with Reed.
