Houston Rockets Receive: F Michael Porter Jr., G Ish Smith

Washington Wizards Receive: G Jamal Murray, G Garrison Matthews, F Anthony Lamb, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2026 First-Round Pick (DEN)

Denver Nuggets Receive: G Bradley Beal, G Eric Gordon

By bringing the Houston Rockets into the fold, the Washington Wizards are able to land a better deal for themselves.

Denver Nuggets fans are likely to be angered by this proposal. Murray, Porter Jr., and a pick for Beal and Gordon may not be great value at first glance. On the other hand, with Porter Jr.’s substantial health concerns, his contract may be viewed as a net negative until proven otherwise.

This deal clears that money off the books in exchange for an expiring contract in Gordon (who’ll be a useful contributor in 2022-23) and Beal.

Granted, it comes at the cost of Murray. At 25, he’s got the potential to make this trade look foolish in hindsight. Regardless, Beal is a more proven player. Pairing him with Nikola Jokic would make Denver a bonafide championship contender.

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If they fall short in 2022-23, they’ll have the financial freedom to resign Jokic (a free agent that summer) and another high-end player having cleared Porter Jr. off the books.

Meanwhile, the Rockets are parting with a first-rounder to acquire a potential star on their timeline. There’s risk involved for them here. There’s no telling what state Brooklyn might be in by 2024: that pick could convey in the lottery or at the end of the draft’s first round. If they’re high enough on Porter Jr., they’ll accept the trade-off.

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Finally, the Washington Wizards should be happy with Murray and two picks in exchange for Beal if they’re shopping him. If they’re not this summer, they might be by next season’s trade deadline regardless.