Wizards Prioritize Young Core as Trade Deadline Approaches
wizards-prioritize-young-core-as-trade-deadline-approaches
The Washington Wizards have informed rival front offices that they do not intend to move or marginalize their top prospects ahead of the NBA trade deadline, league sources told The Athletic’s Josh Robbins.
The organization’s protected list begins with No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and includes Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington. Team executives describe those players as the foundation of the franchise’s long-term plan and have vowed not to diminish their roles for short-term roster balance.
Washington is nonetheless active on the trade market. Front-office officials are open to absorbing contracts or acting as a facilitator in multi-team deals, provided any transaction does not limit minutes or development opportunities for the youthful core.
Power forward spot remains fluid
One area of relative flexibility is power forward. Sources say the Wizards lack a clear long-term solution at that position and would consider upgrades if the right opportunity surfaces before the deadline.
Should no deal materialize, the club is expected to shift its focus to free agency, where it views the offseason as a better avenue to add frontcourt help—particularly a rebounder and rim protector.
For now, Washington’s timeline remains deliberately patient, with player development taking precedence over immediate roster adjustments.
Source: Hoops Wire
