How This Trade Impacts Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards will have to get creative when searching out ways to upgrade this roster in the coming seasons. They don’t have much wiggle room when it comes to the salary cap and their draft capital is limited because of the protected first-round pick of theirs that the New York Knicks own.
This would certainly be the kind of trade that would be smart to take a shot on. Ben Simmons, even with the shortcomings that he has displayed, is a player worth taking a risk on. Still only 26, Simmons has the skill set that could make him one of the best players in the NBA.
Already an elite playmaker, rebounder and defender, Simmons can make a positive impact on a team with the right pieces around him. The Wizards have those pieces to make it work, as they can surround him with shooters every time he steps on the court.
Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis can do the heavy lifting offensively, something they are certainly capable of as former All-Stars. Porzingis’ ability to step out and knock down 3-pointers is a perfect complement to Simmons.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Washington Wizards Updates
Combined with Deni Avdija and Porzingis, the Wizards could have one of the best defensive trios in the NBA with Simmons, arguably the most versatile defender in the league.
The Wizards are sacrificing some depth in this deal and taking on long-term money as Will Barton and Rui Hachimura are on expiring deals and Kyle Kuzma has a player option.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Washington Wizards Updates
But, none of them possess the ceiling that Simmons does. It is certainly risky, but one that could pay off in spades for a Wizards team looking to climb the standings in what is becoming a very competitive Eastern Conference.
