The Washington Wizards are heading into the offseason with a clear pathway to improving their future, and it all starts at the 2024 NBA Draft, where they will have the second-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
With the second pick, the Wizards will have a chance to draft one of the best players in this year’s draft class. Guys like France’s Zacharie Risacher and Alex Sarr will be available.
However, what if Washington decides not to make the pick? What if they decide to trade away their selection instead? That could be a possibility.
Wizards are listening to trade offers for No. 2 pick in 2024 NBA Draft, and that's a genius move
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Wizards have been listening to trade offers for the No. 2 pick in the draft. The Atlanta Hawks (No. 1 pick) and Houston Rockets (No. 3 pick) have also been listening to trade offers.
"League sources say that much like the Hawks, the Wizards and Rockets (third) are also listening to trade offers for their selections. There are no locks yet, whether it’s the pick or the team, so we could be in for some big surprises."Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer
There is no guaranteed superstar in this year’s draft. Last summer had Victor Wembanyama, but there is no equivalent this draft cycle. Lots of teams will be picking and praying.
So, if the Wizards have a chance to trade down in the draft and still get a player they want, then they should listen to any and all offers that come their way in the coming days.
While they may not be able to snag Risacher and/or Sarr past the third pick, there’s a chance one of them falls. And maybe Washington isn’t super interested in either of those guys.
There are plenty of other players who could interest the Wizards that wouldn’t require a top-two pick to snag. In all honesty, they could be better off trading down. It may be the safer option.
Players such as Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, Providence’s Devin Carter, Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham, and Colorado’s Cody Williams could all be available in the 6-10 range.
The Memphis Grizzlies (No. 9 pick) and Chicago Bulls (No. 11 pick) have both shown an interest in trading up for UConn’s Donovan Clingan.
If Washington isn’t completely sold on drafting Sarr, Risacher, Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard, or UConn’s Stephon Castle, then trading back with one of those teams could be the smartest move they could make.