The Wizards were not only active during the Trade Deadline but also productive. Their moves will impact the team in the short term, and if they pan out, they could help steer the team toward the future. How did the Wizards grade after all was said and done?
Kuzma to the Bucks
Bucks receive:
- Kyle Kuzma
- Patrick Baldwin Jr.
- Jericho Sims
- 2025 second-round pick
Wizards receive:
- Khris Middleton
- AJ Johnson
- 2028 first-round pick swap
Knicks receive:
- Delon Wright
- Cash considerations
Grade = B+
I give the trade a B+ because even though the Wizards took on a bad contract in Middleton, even if he opts into his player option of $33.5M next season, the contract won’t handcuff the Wizards long-term. With AJ Johnson, they acquired a young prospect with great intangibles, who can defend, and shoot from three. He’s 6'4 and only 20 years old so if they harness his potential, they would have found a diamond in the rough. The pick swap is why I graded it a B+ because while it does give the Wizards more leverage in future trades, the Blazers benefit more than the Wizards and I believe the Wizards could have finessed a better pick considering Middleton’s contract and the fact that Kuzma’s contract descends every year and its a lot less.
Jonas Valanciunas to the Kings
Kings receive:
- Jonas Valančiūnas
Wizards receive:
- Sidy Cissoko
- Two second-round picks
Grade = B-
The reason for the grade is that I believe we could have gotten more. Valanciunas has a very team-friendly deal. While the Wizards could have taken their time to trade him, when he signed, he signed knowing that he was going to be dealt with at some point. Sidy Cissoko is a young and very intriguing prospect. He’s a 6'6 forward who has massive defensive potential. I don’t mind the two 2nd rounders because they’re for leverage in future moves but I do like the deal, I just think we could have gotten more due to the team-friendly contract of Jonas Valanciunas.
