5 Wizards players who could end up on a new team by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
2. Malcolm Brogdon
The Wizards acquired Brogdon in the Deni Avdija trade. The veteran was a mentor in Portland last season after winning Sixth Man of the Year for the Celtics in 2023. Brogdon still gets buckets, spaces the floor, and makes plays. His injury history is concerning, but he will certainly be available.
Brogdon is on a $22.5 million expiring contract. The 31-year-old will struggle to replicate that salary on the open market, but teams needing a sixth man may jump at the chance to acquire him.
The Wizards will be careful with his minutes in hopes of keeping the veteran guard healthy. Washington has no interest in winning games with Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and a potentially elite draft class waiting next summer. The Wizards hope to have a top-five pick and get a game-changer to build around.
Brogdon makes too much for a buyout. Teams above the first tax apron can no longer sign a player who made more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in a buyout. Brogdon is well north of that number, so his market would be limited.
The new rule increases the chances of a trade, especially if a contender develops a need for another ball-handler and playmaker. The Wizards will certainly be waiting for the right offer.