Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal 

Anyone familiar with NBA trades will understand that the Wizards aren’t doing this deal to acquire Beverley. 

They’re doing it for the first-round pick. At 21-26, the Wizards ought to be making future-focused decisions. Nobody would be shocked if this deal led to other, bigger deals ahead of the deadline. 

At the same time, this organization seems to prefer to avoid tanking. They try to stay competitive every season, even if the result is long-term mediocrity. 

Perhaps this deal could help them now, too. Beverley is having a down season, but his shooting could regress to its mean.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Barton, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

If it does, having his 3-and-D skillset could make more sense than having the more offensively gifted Barton with Beal on the roster. 

Should the Lakers really cut ties with Beverley now?