Should a rebuilding NBA team hang onto all of their young players? Perhaps. On the other hand, if they’re on the bottom floor of a rebuild, they should be open for business. A rebuilding team could justify prioritizing draft capital over a young player.
Should the Washington Wizards keep all of their young players? It’s debatable. This team is rebuilding. They’ve got young talent, but they could use more assets. The Wizards are a team to watch on the trade market this season. Some of their younger players could be available.
The Los Angeles Lakers are a team to watch as well. This team is rebuilding – they’re a win-now team. With that in mind, they’ll be looking to upgrade their roster if they’re underperforming throughout the year. Could they do so by acquiring Daniel Gafford from the Wizards?
The Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, F Taurean Prince, G/F Cam Reddish, 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Daniel Gafford
With that said, the decision to rebuild doesn’t come easily. A rebuild puts a team’s fanbase through some hardship. At the same time, it can be for the best. This summer, the Washington Wizards finally decided it was time to start over.
They did so by trading Bradley Beal. Realistically, that was always the plan. if you need to know whether a team ought to be rebuilding, look at their best player. If their best player isn’t good enough to be the best player on a contending team, you’ve got your answer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Daniel Gafford, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Look at the Lakers. They’ve got LeBron James. That automatically puts them in title contention. With that said, James is aging. He won’t be a player that assures title contention for much longer. The Lakers need to be all-in on his remaining window. Does this deal help them make that push?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
As constructed, the Lakers will likely have to run Anthony Davis at the 5. That’s viable. Davis is an elite rim protector – he can handle the job. So, it’s viable. Is it optional?
It’s hard to say. With that said, we can conclusively say that the Lakers have had success by playing Davis at the 4. IN fact, they won an NBA title that way. It seems like Davis is optimized as a free safety alongside a primary rim protector. On that note – Gafford is a solid primary rim protector.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Daniel Gafford, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
He’s also a great pick-and-roll finisher who will complement both James and D’Angelo Russell. Gafford is the best player in this deal, and he’s worth the cost that the Lakers are paying for him here. Is it a high enough cost for the Wizards?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
We think so. Gafford is good. Arguably, he’s too good. The Wizards should be looking to tank in 2023-24. With that in mind, having Gafford’s sturdy rim protection in place may be more trouble than it’s worth.
Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is the same age. He’s an even more versatile defender, and a better passer to boot. He’s not as impactful as Gafford – that’s part of the benefit here for Washington. Still, he’s an intriguing young player who Washington should be happy to add.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Daniel Gafford, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Still, the distant pick swap is the most important piece of this puzzle. Once again – James is aging. The Lakers may not be a contender in 2029. By contrast, that’s plenty of time for Washington to rebuild. If this swap conveys, it could be invaluable for the Wizards. For now, they should be focused on rebuilding.
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