It’s rebuilding time in the nation’s capital. While the rest of the NBA world saw the writing on the wall when John Wall became unplayable, the Washington Wizards took some time to catch up. Instead, they allowed a Bradley Beal-led team to try and find its footing.

Once they reached the same realization as everyone else, the Wizards were headed toward a rebuild. They’ve done a commendable job building a deep team full of youth. So far, no player in particular has stood out, but there is enough talent on this team for fans to have some hope for the future.

There’s youth aplenty up and down the roster, and they have players with genuine value and need in the league. As a result, future trades should help the team stockpile assets to complete the rebuild. For now, however, the focus has to remain on the rebuild itself.

For as formidable and strong as the Wizards will become in due time, their present is full of struggles. So how does that struggle manifest itself in the 2024-25 season?

Trading away their star role players

First off, the obvious candidates. Kyle Kuzma’s departure from the Wizards has felt inevitable from the moment he first arrived. However, somehow, no trade has materialized yet. But his time in D.C. has been beneficial for Kuzma in several ways.

After losing his stature in his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma had the opportunity to develop his game away from the NBA spotlight. Now, he’s a much more complete player, with great defense and elite rebounding. While his offensive game isn’t perfect, his streakiness makes him dangerous on any given night. With a solid jumper to boot, some contender is going to bite the bullet. This could be the year.

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The case for Malcolm Brogdon is simple, yet somehow even more pressing. He joined the team after a short stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, but it’s almost inevitable that he will find a new team before the end of the year. His skill set is still elite, and he remains a genuine game-changer.

A brilliant point-of-attack defender, the former Rookie of the Year has strong playmaking skills while providing elite shooting for any team. Both on and off the ball, Brogdon can thrive in virtually any offense. That kind of talent, along with his ability to succeed in a role, is exactly what every contender needs.

Expect a team like the Denver Nuggets to come calling when the Wizards decide to trade Brogdon.

The offseason signing of Jonas Valančiūnas

This might be the biggest lock in terms of predictions. When free agency began, one of the names to watch was Jonas Valančiūnas. In a weak class for big men, Valančiūnas was the best name out there, and many teams with a need for a big man reportedly showed interest.

Whether as a starter or off the bench, Valančiūnas can thrive in either role. A strong rebounder and a bruising interior presence, he adds value to any team looking for a big man. However, rather than going to a contender, the Wizards swooped in and signed him to a three-year, $30 million contract.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Washington Wizards Updates

While many were shocked, reports of the Wizards’ game plan emerged. They understood Valančiūnas’ value on the open market, and once trade restrictions lift in December, he could be the first player traded. They will likely receive assets in return to continue the rebuild, and a team like the Los Angeles Lakers could be a potential suitor.

The regression of Jordan Poole

Now this, unfortunate as it may be, is the reality of the situation. Two years ago, Jordan Poole was one of the fastest-rising stars in the NBA. He burst onto the scene with the Golden State Warriors and was pivotal in their 2022 championship run. But since then, it’s been all downhill. He first lost the respect of the veterans and the locker room.

Eventually, he found himself on the outs, and the team had to trade him for pennies on the dollar. Despite a $120 million contract, Poole became unusable in the Bay Area. The trade to Washington was supposed to open new doors for him. With a new team and an offense built around him, Poole was expected to flourish on his own.

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At least, that was the idea. The execution? Well, let’s just say it was a laughable failure. A permanent resident of Shaqtin’ A Fool, Poole never found his rhythm. Ill-advised shot selection, bizarre passes, and an overall poor basketball performance were on full display for the Wizards.

Over time, a supposed building block for the future saw his role diminish throughout the year. As a result, he finished the season averaging just 17 points per game on 41% shooting from the field. Many would like to hope the situation improves, but the path to success is unclear.

On a team like the Los Angeles Clippers, with far less responsibility, Poole might find his footing as a spark plug off the bench. But as a starting-caliber point guard in Washington? The chances of success appear slim.

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