NBA rumors: Raptors should call Wizards about PG trade amid logjam

The Toronto Raptors appear to be making an earnest effort to turn the mojo from their 41-41 season in 2022-23 around as they try to sneak into the postseason picture in the crowded Eastern Conference. The Washington Wizards, on the other hand, are taking steps backward.

New executive Michael Winger is dipping fully into rebuild mode, trading away Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Chris Paul in desperate trades that brought back a haul of draft picks and a collection of young players. Former Warriors stud Jordan Poole and Grizzlies guard Tyus Jones are among the best Winger got in return.

The Wizards’ longest-tenured player is former first-round pick and 22-year-old Deni Avdija, showing that the Wiz are going all-in on their retooling. With multiple veteran players on the roster that could help teams like Toronto and their own desire to tear it down, the Wizards might end up getting a call from the Raptors very soon.

According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Wizards are engaged with several teams on trade talks, as they want to get rid of some of the point guards on the roster in order to get extra depth. In need of a backup (and potentially, a starter) at the point guard spot, Toronto should give them a call.

NBA Rumors: Wizards sell-off should interest Raptors.

Poole is obviously staying, but Jones, who led the league in assist to turnover ration and kept Memphis humming without Ja Morant, isn’t necessarily a lock. Jones already has familiarity with new Raptors head coach and former Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic, which could make for a very natural trade partner.

Monte Morris was a very productive scorer and ball-handler with Denver before his move to Washington last season. A career 39% 3-point shooter, Morris is the offense-first point guard that could work well as either the Fred VanVleet replacement or his top bench deputy.

Former Raptors first-round pick Delon Wright has bounced around the league since leaving Toronto, but he has since reinvigorated himself with the Wizards. A bigger guard with defensive skills, Wright stills fits the mold that Ujiri and the front office are looking for.

The Raptors can’t go into the season with their current point guard depth chart, as even bringing back VanVleet and leaving the bench rotation relatively unchanged is a problem. Washington is a motivated seller with multiple guard options to choose from, making them perfect for Ujiri and Toronto.