Wizards Trade For Established Big Man Before Trade Deadline

Last season, the Washington Wizards ranked 28th in defensive rebounds per game and 28th in total rebounds per game. Russell Westbrook joining the team will definitely help them in this category, but they still need a high-level talent in their frontcourt to be a legit threat in the Eastern Conference. 

Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura had two solid seasons last year, both ending up with double-digit scoring numbers and 6+ rebounds per game, but they will not provide Washington with the firepower they need to be able to be a legit contender in the East. By trading for Westbrook, the Wizards front office has made it known that they are “all-in” on building this team into a legit threat, which means they are not done acquiring talent. 

Going out and trading for a guy like Kevin Love or Blake Griffin could do wonders for this organization and give them three, All-Star level talents to be able to call themselves a championship contender. Out of all 30 teams in the NBA, the Washington Wizards are maybe the only team who are truly sitting 50-50, on-the-fence, on whether or not they will make the playoffs this upcoming season, but going out and bringing in an established frontcourt player pushes them over the edge.

Deni Avdija is going to play at a high-level next to Westbrook and Beal and with Davis Bertans also being one of the best three-point shooters in the league, the Washington Wizards have a formula for success, but are just one piece away. Trading for a center at some point during the 2020-21 NBA season is a must for the Wizards if they are to be a true playoff team in the East.