Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Washington Wizards

This is going to be a pivotal offseason for the Wizards as they look to get back into playoff contention. Everyone has heard about the ongoing drama with Bradley Beal. Many have thought he would demand a trade, but that has not come yet.

While Beal seems to still be committed to the franchise, that could change at any moment. Beal, just like any other player in the NBA, wants to win. He will need to see that the Wizards are committed to winning as well.

Making a trade to acquire a wing talent like OG Anunoby could help the franchise prove that. Kyle Kuzma was a great piece last season, but he may not be the type of guy that can be a perfect No. 3 compliment behind Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. Anunoby, on the other hand, seems like an ideal fit.

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During the 2021-22 NBA season with the Raptors, Anunoby ended up averaging 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. He shot 44.3 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 36.3 percent of his three-point attempts.

Those numbers are eerily similar to the kind of stats that Kuzma put up for the Wizards. The biggest difference is that Anunoby can be a serious threat on the defensive side of the ball. Wit the Wizards needing to improve their defense, this trade would be a good start.

As previously mentioned, the Wizards may opt to avoid making a big trade. But, if they want to pick up an upgrade on the wing while also staying young and athletic, Anunoby would be a perfect target.