5 low-risk high reward deals Wizards could make before NBA Trade Deadline

The Washington Wizards slow start to the season has put them in an interesting position as the NBA Trade Deadline slowly approaches.

Washington sits at the bottom of the league standings with one of the worst records in the NBA. With a roster made up of a healthy mix of young players and veterans who could immediately impacts contending teams, the Wizards find themselves headed to the deadline with plenty of decisions to make.

It's already widely expected for the team to be sellers at the deadline this year. In addition to their moves to offload players such as Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas, there could be a world where the team turns into buyers in efforts to trade for young players who could be looking for a fresh start,

That said, here's a look at five names the Wizards and general manager Will Dawkins could turn their attention to before the NBA trade deadline passes.

Jonathan Kuminga, Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga's tenure with the Golden State Warriors has been a mix of good and bad. The former lottery pick joined the Warriors when the team was in full contending mode. After their NBA Championship in 2022, the team dealt with some injury plagued seasons that allowed for Kuminga to get real minutes with the team.

In that time, the former G-League Ignite standout looked the part and showed potential to be a rising star. However, the team's new roster construction has continued to stall his development in Golden State. After refusing to include him in any offseason deals, the Warriors worked to extend Kuminga in the offseason.

With contract talks coming to an end with no extension in place, his future in Golden State seems uncertain. Not to mention the team's decision to take Kuminga out of the starting lineup at the start of the season.

Averaging 14.7 points, 4.4 rebounfs and 1.7 assists on 48.4% shooting from FG range, Kuminga could welcome. a trade to a team like the Wizards. The increased playing time and chance to sign a long-term deal with a team who will build around him could be enticing. Not to mention Washington has Kyle Kuzma, who the Warriors could have interest in acquiring in return.

Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Jaden Ivey is another player who was drafted with a lottery pick who has yet to pan out to the type of player many hoped he could become. The former Purdue standout has shown plenty of flashes with the Pistons since joining the roster in 2022. Between his unmatched athleticism and improving jumper to pair with his driving ability, Ivey possesses all the tools to be a big time player.

In the midst of a career year averaging 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 45.6% shooting from FG range, there's no telling how willing Detroit will be to move the guard. Nonetheless, it would be a phone call worth taking for Washington to gauge the Pistons interest in moving on from the star.

Moses Moody, Golden State Warriors

Moses Moody was drafted in the same draft class as his teammate Kuminga with the final pick in the lottery in 2021. The Arkansas product joined Golden State after an impressive freshman season with the Razorbacks where he showed his potential to be a two-way force.

Like Kuminga, Moody has yet to find his footing in the Warriors rotation to make an impact like he's shown glimpses of doing. Averaging 16.2 minutes per game, a change of scenery could be welcomed by both parties if the Wizards were interested in making the call.

Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

Jabari Smith Jr. was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After a monster season in his lone year at Auburn, he looked like he could be a core piece for the Rockets future. However, in three seasons, the 6-foot-10 forward has seemingly regressed in nearly every statistical category, especially since the team hired head coach Ime Udoka.

Smith Jr. could be a prime candidate that could be looking for a fresh start and there may not be a better spot for him than in D.C. where he could slot in next to Alex Sarr.

Jett Howard, Orlando Magic

Jett Howard was selected with the No. 11 overall selection in 2023. The son of NBA legend Juwan Howard stood out in his freshman season at Michigan and it enticed Orlando to draft the guard in the lottery with hopes he could be a core piece for their backcourt.

However, in two seasons, Howard is averaging 2.7 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 6.1 minutes per game. Only suiting up for 31 total games across two years, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Magic offload the young guard. At 21-years-old, he could be a reclamation project worth the risk for Washington.