4 Washington Wizards players the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade for

The Cleveland Cavaliers should jump in on the Washington Wizards fire sale.

Everything must go, at least that’s what the Washington Wizards are telling the NBA. So far in the last few days, they’ve traded Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Chris Paul, not to mention the trade they made with the Lakers in February to unload Rui Hachimura. So what have the Wizards gotten back in those trades? Nothing that would make you think the Cleveland Cavaliers can’t have a turn at the check-out counter.

The Wizards gave up Hachimura, Beal, Porzingis, and Paul and got back Kendrick Nunn, Jordan Poole, Paul (later traded again), Landry Shamet, Tyus Jones, one protected first-round pick (2030), four pick-swaps (’24, ’26, ’28, ’30), and 11 second-round picks (2x in ’23, ’24, ’25, ’26, 2x ’27, 2x ’28, ’29, ’30)

Needless to say, while the Wizards got a lot back in totality, the value isn’t really there. Yet, the idea is likely to get as many picks and pick swaps as possible, and try and consolidate the 16 total picks into a few higher-end selections.

The Cavs can help contribute to their goal. They have some players and pieces that the Wizards may be interested in and the Cavs should try to swing for some of the players.

Four Washington Wizards the Cleveland Cavaliers should trade for

Landry Shamet

The Cleveland Cavaliers need another shooter off the bench and while you hope for someone bigger, Shamet could be that guy. He’s mostly a three-point shooter, taking more than 70% of his shots last year from beyond the arc. It’s really all he does, and really, that’s all the Cavs need.

Danilo Gallinari

Before his injury, Danilo Gallinari was one of the most versatile scorers in the NBA and was good enough to carry Denver to the playoffs in his earlier days. Now, at 34, you’re just hoping he’s recovered from that ACL injury. If he is, he’s going to be someone who can provide a lot of scoring for the Cavs off the bench.

Deni Avdija

I feel like Deni Avdija is just one coach away from unlocking his potential. He’s a good inside scorer, with good defensive qualities and a surprisingly impressive passer. He lacks any real jump shot or ability to shoot from three. He’ll improve the defense and allow you to play against heavier, bigger-bodied teams like the New York Knicks, but you’re only trading for Avdija as part of a package.

Corey Kipsert

In fact, all three prior names should only be a part of a package including Corey Kispert. Kipsert is the goal here. He’s the guy who can come in, start for you at small forward, provide great three-point shooting, and be young enough that you don’t have to worry about his legs giving out on him in a deep playoff run.

• Published on 06/22/2023 at 21:13 PM
• Last updated at 06/22/2023 at 21:13 PM