The Washington Wizards have a number of decisions to make heading into the offseason.
Between a franchise-altering decision pending on their placement in the upcoming NBA Draft lottery and the multiple veterans on their roster that may be moved in the coming months, the rest of the league has their eyes on the Wizards and what they do moving forward.
Of the teams watching the Wizards moves over the next few months will be playoff-caliber teams who have their eyes on the team's veterans who may be up for grabs.
And with the Wizards in a position where they're likely more than willing to part with the players on their roster who are under contract that don't fit their timeline, there will likely be trade negotations as soon as the offseason officially begins for all 30 teams.
That said, here's a look at a hypothetical trade that could allow for the Wizards to offload two veterans, while also bringing in young talent to bolster their young core.
Wizards deal veteran duo to Nuggets
The Wizards will likely jump at any opportunity they have to offload the contracts of either Khris Middleton or Marcus Smart this offseason. Neither player fits the timeline of the team moving forward and their financial restrictions just don't make sense for a team looking to position themselves towards a rebuild.
If the team was ever given the opportunity to offload both of the vets in the same deal, it would almost be a no-brainer to do so, especially if they can bring in a solid return in exchange.
That said, here's a look at a hypothetical trade that could be beneficial for both sides in this potential deal:
This trade would allow for the Nuggets to surround Nikola Jokic with two veterans who not only have playoff experience, but championship experience. In addition, it would bring a sense of shotmaking to help in the postseason and offer the defensive grit in the backcourt that the team has been missing since losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency last offseason.
As for the Wizards, this deal would lands them multiple younger players who would offer a better fit alongside their young core. Bringing in talented players that would be much easier to deal in future trades if their fit in Washington doesn't work out would be a much better situation for the team moving forward in their rebuild.
Grade: B+