NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
How dedicated are the Washington Wizards to building a contender around Bradley Beal this offseason? There are rumors circulating that the Wizards may be willing to make a deal involving the 8th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft that will net them Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors. This will fill a huge void for the Wizards in the backcourt by adding a capable PG, but can they afford it, and will it be enough basketballs to go around?
Even with a trade, the Washington Wizards still must figure out what to do with Kyle Kuzma who is expected to opt out of his deal for $13M and seek a long-term contract with the Wizards or be moved altogether. If he stays, the Wizards must do whatever they can to bring VanVleet to DC.
According to Bleacher Report, the deal will involve the Raptors sending VanVleet to the Wizards while the Wizards hand over Daniel Gafford, Johnny Davis, Isaiah Todd, and the 8th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. By all accounts, this looks like a win for the Wizards as a true floor general is their missing piece.
However, there is a bit more to this trade than just the upfront optics. In order for this to work, there will need to be a sign and trade for VanVleet and the Raptors. Meaning, the Washington Wizards will be on the books for more money. When you add in the possible extension of Kuzma and then Kristaps Porzingis in 2014, this could get very expensive for the Wizards.
Winning doesn’t come cheap and it seems the Washington Wizards are ready to throw all their cards on the table. The good news for them is that with VanVleet paired with Beal in the backcourt, combined with a frontcourt that features Kuzma and Porzingis, the Wizards will instantly become contenders in the Eastern Conference. It’s just a matter of filling out the rest of the roster.
Should The Washington Wizards Trade For Fred VanVleet
Even if Porzingis bolts in 2024, the Wiz are still set for at least another 2-3 years with their current big 3. Losing Gafford will hurt the team at the center position but Porzingis can easily slide over and Kuzma can play the 4. However, other moves will need to be made. Monte Morris will be on the books for $9M while another PG, Delon Wright will cost the team another $8M. With Fred VanVleet on the roster, both will be in reserve roles and will it be wise to pay $17M for spot-up duty when that money can be used elsewhere?
The 8th pick in this draft will bring the Wizards some young and cheap talent but will it be enough to put them in the position they’re looking to be in 2024? The question looming is about finding the right fit. Who in the 2023 NBA Draft fits that mold for the Wizards? If Fred VanVleet is indeed available and the Wizards can work out a deal, why not swing for the fences?
Winning in the NBA has a short window and no one on this roster is getting any younger while NBA contracts keep growing every season. The time is now for the Washington Wizards to make a bold move and this right here, is bold.
