Trade No. 1 – Washington Wizards

Houston Rockets Receive:  F Troy Brown Jr., G Ish Smith, WAS 2022 1st Round Pick, CHI 2023 2nd Round Pick (via WAS)

Washington Wizards Receive: G/F Eric Gordon

The Washington Wizards were one of the most aggressive teams this past offseason as they pulled off the biggest trade of the year, acquiring former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook from the Houston Rockets in exchange for John Wall and a lottery-protected 2023 first-round pick.

Not only did the Wizards win this trade by a wide margin, but they may finally have a solid backcourt partner with Bradley Beal that can potentially get the Wizards back to their winning ways. However, things have not gotten off to a hot start in Washington as they find themselves with one of the worst records in the league. 

Could Washington get back on the phone with Houston and not ask for a return for Russell Westbrook, but instead buy Eric Gordon? Washington has some young players who could be of use to the Rockets, as well as some draft picks that the Rockets would definitely be interested in. 

In this trade scenario, the Wizards would trade Troy Brown Jr. and Ish Smith, along with two draft picks for Eric Gordon. All-in-all, this is great value for the Wizards because of what Gordon can bring to the table for them. 

While they are near the bottom of the league in other categories, Washington is one of the better scoring teams in the league and a really good three-point shooting team. Adding yet another scoring threat and three-point shooter in Gordon could be exactly what they need to start winning games. 

Troy Brown Jr. has potential to be a solid role player on the wing, but after drafting Deni Avdija this offseason, Brown may not have that big of a role moving forward in D.C. The same goes for Ish Smith, who has taken a back seat to veteran guard Raul Neto backing up Russ. 

With Thomas Bryant being out for the season after tearing his ACL, the Wizards do not have a reliable, third scoring-option, which is why they need Eric Gordon more than ever. Whether it is knocking down three-pointers or beating his opponents off-the-dribble, Eric Gordon could be a perfect complimentary player for Beal and Westbrook in Washington.

If this team has any shot at making it to the playoffs, they need to add a legit, experienced offensive-weapon, which is why Eric Gordon, at a low price, makes a lot of sense for the Wizards.