When an NBA team is rebuilding, they’ve got a lot to consider. On the one hand, you can stockpile talent. Fit becomes secondary – if a young player has flashed any potential, you want them. That’s one viable way to look at rebuilding.
On the other hand, a poorly fitting young roster comes with its own disadvantages. If some combinations of players don’t work together, it can limit their upside. It becomes difficult to find the necessary developmental reps for players when they conflict with one another.
So, some raised their eyebrows when the Detroit Pistons acquired James Wiseman at last year’s deadline. Jalen Duren was already having a stellar rookie season. Meanwhile, this pair of non-shooting big men aren’t likely to thrive alongside one another. Could the Pistons send him to the Washington Wizards as a result?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: G Landry Shamet, 2025 Second-Round Pick (PHX via WAS), 2026 Second-Round Pick (PHX via WAS), 2026 Second-Round Pick (CHI via WAS), 2027 Second-Round Pick (GSW via WAS)
Washington Wizards Receive: C James Wiseman
With that in mind, the Wizards will need to make these considerations moving forward. This team just traded Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. Now, we can assume that they’ll be rebuilding – can’t we?
Well, there’s work to be done. The Wizards will likely need to find a taker for Kyle Kuzma this summer. Meanwhile, this team has a number of solid players in their early to mid-20s to consider. Should they keep them, or flip them for assets?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Wiseman, Washington Wizards & Detroit Pistons Updates
Time will tell. This rebuild could be soft, and it could be hard. In the meantime, the Wizards should keep an eye on young players throughout the league. If there’s an opportunity to acquire one with some upside, they should take it. Is this the right opportunity for them?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
One of those players in their mid-20s is Daniel Gafford. His presence on this roster will make this move questionable for some Wizards fans. Don’t they already have their big man of the future?
Perhaps they do. On the other hand, they could make this trade and then trade Gafford later. The Wizards may actually be able to get a first-round pick for him. For a rebuilding team, having the younger Wiseman and an unprotected first is worth more than having Gafford and four second-rounders.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Wiseman, Washington Wizards & Detroit Pistons Updates
Provided, of course, that the Wizards see anything in Wiseman. His skill development is still lagging. With that said, Wiseman showed some improvement on the Pistons last year. If he hits his ceiling, he should be a strong defensive big man who provides some rim running and floor spacing. Should the Pistons give up on him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Perhaps the better question is this: why did the Pistons acquire Wiseman in the first place? Frankly, Duren has already flashed more upside. His quicker feet should make him a more versatile defender moving forward. The Pistons ought to invest in their soon-to-be-sophomore.
With that in mind, they won’t get a king’s ransom for Wiseman. He simply hasn’t shown enough at the NBA level. So, four second rounders is a fair return. As we saw at this year’s deadline, second-round picks can grease the wheels on a trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Wiseman, Washington Wizards & Detroit Pistons Updates
Finally, Shamet is a solid fit with this roster too. He’s a good shooter who plays a little defense. His contract isn’t optimal, but it’s also very manageable. All told this is a good way for the Pistons to move off of Wiseman. After all, arguably, they shouldn’t have acquired him in the first place.
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