Huge trade rumor should push Wizards to make franchise-altering deal

The Washington Wizards are in no-man’s land. They are firmly stuck in a rebuild that they just started, so it’s not the end of the world, but complacency is the worst possible mindset in the NBA.

Despite the fact that Washington just traded Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, committing to a full-on rebuild, they shouldn’t hesitate to find ways to improve their future via trades or free agency.

However, that will all start at the 2024 NBA Draft. After their franchise-worst season this past year, they earned the No. 2 pick in the draft and will have a shot at landing one of the best prospects.

That may not be the end of their opportunities, though. Based on a recent NBA trade rumor, the Wizards could look to add another top pick in this summer’s draft.

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Houston Rockets are looking to trade the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

"That’s why the Rockets, according to my sources, are listening to trade offers for that No. 3 pick. They’re talking to the Nets. They’re talking to the Grizzlies. They could end up moving down to No. 9 if it’s Memphis, or out if it’s Brooklyn, and then get back Mikal Bridges."

- Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer

Based on the idea that the Rockets are targeting Mikal Bridges in a trade, the Wizards probably don’t have much to offer Houston in a deal that would get their attention. However, it’s more than likely that the Rockets would have to give up a lot more than No. 3 for Bridges, and Brooklyn still may not budge.

At the very least, Washington needs to try to make a trade with the Rockets for the third pick in the draft. They should be doing everything possible to pry that selection from the Rockets.

Houston has made it clear that they want to compete for a playoff spot as soon as possible, and the Wizards have some players who could help them do that.

Whether it be Kyle Kuzma, Deni Avdija, or Corey Kispert, the Wizards should make almost everyone on the roster available (outside of Bilal Coulibaly) in an attempt to get the third pick.

Though this year’s draft isn’t anything crazy, that could end up working in favor of Washington because the Rockets probably won’t be as big of a trade haul.

But since the Wizards have more time to develop whatever players they land—likely two of Alex Sarr, Zacharie Risacher, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard, and Matas Buzelis—this is the type of move that could change the course of their franchise forever (if they hit on their draft picks).