Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Washington Wizards

Last season, the Washington Wizards ranked 28th in defensive rebounds per game and 28th in total rebounds per game. Russell Westbrook joining the team will definitely help them in this category, but they still need a high-level talent in their frontcourt to be a legit threat in the Eastern Conference.

Thomas Bryant and Rui Hachimura had two solid seasons last year, both ending up with double-digit scoring numbers and 6+ rebounds per game, but they will not provide Washington with the firepower they need to be able to be a legit contender in the Eastern Conference.

By trading for Westbrook, the Wizards front office has made it known that they are “all-in” on building this team into a legit threat, which means they are not done acquiring talent.

Going out and trading for a guy like Andre Drummond could do wonders for this organization and give them three, NBA All-Star level talents to be able to call themselves a championship contender. Out of all 30 NBA teams, the Washington Wizards are maybe the only team who are truly sitting 50-50, on-the-fence, on whether or not they will make the playoffs this upcoming season, but going out and bringing in an established frontcourt player pushes them over the edge.

While their three-point shooting would take a massive hit losing Davis Bertans, they would be one of the top-scoring teams in the paint and springboard into the top-15 in rebounding. Not to mention, Drummond would make them a great shot-blocking team overall as well. 

If the Wizards were to trade for Andre Drummond, they would have to make sure that he is willing to play there long-term as his contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2020-21 NBA season.

There is no way this organization will trade away Davis Bertans for a one-year rental of Drummond, which is why they would have to have a long-term plan for the 27-year old center moving forward.