We finally have a trade!
The Pistons traded Marvin Bagley, Isaiah Livers, and two second-round picks for the Washington Wizards for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala.
Even though they were not averaging many points, Gallinari and Muscala served as some veteran depth and floor spacing for the team in their 26 and 24 games, respectively. Gallinari was coming back from an ACL injury that cost him the entire 2022-23 season. Both players can bring a veteran presence to a Pistons locker room searching for answers during their horrible season.
Let’s get into the players that the Wizards are getting back. Marvin Bagley III was the second overall pick in the 2018 Draft. He was projected to be a star in the league, but injuries have been a big issue for him so far in his young career. When healthy, Bagley can get you some points and rebounds. The lefty big stands at 6-10 and has a nice touch around the rim. Bagley is also still young, turning 25 this coming March. Bagley can bring much-needed rebounding for a team that is dead last in total rebounding per game.
Isaiah Livers, who is 25, came into the NBA as the 42nd overall pick. Being a four-year player while at the University of Michigan, he’s shown the ability to shoot the ball from range, connecting on 41.2% during his collegiate career. Livers has struggled so far this season, but in his rookie year, he connected on 42.2% from three. He can provide some much-needed shooting to a team that is 24th in 3-point percentage in the league.
With the additions of these young players, the Wizards continue their trend of going younger and building for the future. I will not be surprised if both players are key players in the rotation and also, more moves will be made.