The Washington Wizards enter the upcoming NBA trade deadline with plenty of potential avenues that general manager Will Dawkins could opt to take.
For starters, the Wizards are in no way shape or form in position to compete for a playoff spot this season as they currently lead the race for the No. 1 overall draft pick. Considering the team has plenty of veterans on the roster that could immediately impact a playoff team, all eyes will be on Washington to be sellers at the deadline.
Ultimately, the goal is to ultimately cash in on any deal that involves Jonas Valanciunas, Kyle Kuzma or Malcolm Brogdon. Recent reports suggests that the team is more focused on draft picks out of all assets that could possibly come back in return.
However, with outgoing salaries, Washington will likely still have to bring in incoming players in which they could look to bring in a young talent that could offer them a chance to rejuvenate their careers on a team that offers plenty of developmental time as they look ahead to a rebuild.
That said, here's three players that the Wizards could target in any potential deal at the deadline.
Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr. was drafted by the Houston Rockets with plenty of hype entering his rookie season. However, in three seasons with the Rockets, the Auburn product has yet to emerge as the star Houston drafted him to be.
Nonetheless, at 21-years-old, Smith Jr. has all the potential to be a game-changer if he can develop his game in the right system. Averaging 11.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and one assists on the season, the Rockets could be inclined to deal the forward, especially if they managed to bring in a win-now piece back.
Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. was included in a hypothetical trade that landed the former Missouri standout in Washington. The versatile forward is an underrated scorer and he's shown that on one of the best teams in the league over the last few years.
The 26-year-old is averaging 18.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while shooting 51.7% from field goal range and 41.8% from three. In any potential deal with the Nuggets, the Wizards should make it a point to inquire about Porter Jr.
Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga is another player that the Wizards could covet if the Golden State Warriors called about any of Washington's veterans. The former lottery pick failed to sign an extension with the Warriors in the offseason, and his move to the bench earlier this year could be the writing on the wall for his future in Golden State.
Considering the Wizards have multiple vets that could immediately help the Warriors, Golden State may be more willing to offload the young player if they feel a deal would help them reach the next level.