Wiz of Awes
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3 way-too-early predictions for Washington Wizards at the trade deadline

By Cem Yolbulan

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Kuzma #33 and Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards talk on the court during the second half against the New York Knicks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at Capital One Arena on November 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Kuzma #33 and Jordan Poole #13 of the Washington Wizards talk on the court during the second half against the New York Knicks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at Capital One Arena on November 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Delon Wright, Mike Muscala, and Danilo Gallinari will not be a Wizard

It is a common strategy for teams like the Washington Wizards to try to increase the trade value of experienced veterans in the first half of the season with the hopes of acquiring assets when moving them at the trade deadline. If they still don’t have enough value to attract interest in the trade market, teams would do them a favor and buy their contract out so that they can play postseason basketball on a good team.

This is likely what the Wizards have in mind for Delon Wright, Danilo Gallinari, and Mike Muscala.

Wright has been dealing with an injury and Muscala has been in and out of the rotation, so it’s hard to argue that their trade value is anything meaningful. Gallinari has been playing well and contributing offensively as the backup center, but considering that he is 35 and a big defensive liability, he may not bring a haul in a potential deal, either.

If the Wizards get any second-round picks for these veterans, they will likely move them at the deadline. Even though it would be nice to have Gallinari around to help space the floor for the young players, and Wright around for defensive intensity and veteran presence, it’s also important to open up playing time for younger players. There is simply no point in having multiple 30+-year-old veterans in your rotation as a lottery team. If a trade is not possible, the Wizards will surely do them a solid and let them sign with a contender.

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