In the NBA, the worst place to be is in the middle. To be specific, the worst place to be is in the lower middle class. 

If your team is on a 45-win pace, there are positives to take from that. You might be a big move or two away from real contention. There’s some value in staying the course. 

On the other hand, if your team is on a 35-win pace – you’re in trouble. Now, your team is unlikely to land a high lottery pick, but also unlikely to make the playoffs. It’s a lose-lose situation. 

It happens to be one the Washington Wizards have often found themselves in. This team seems stuck in the NBA’s lower middle class. 

Here are three deals that could get them out of it.