The Kings, for the past few years, have been a disappointing team. Ben McLemore never lived up to expectations and DeMarcus cousins has been the only bright spot on the team. However, Cousins is tired of being a below average team and wants to be competitive.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have not been able to ascend to the next level despite John Wall playing outstanding. Bradley Beal is an excellent scorer as well, but he and John Wall lack the chemistry to succeed.
When Wall and Cousins were in college, both of them went to Kentucky and played alongside each other with fantastic chemistry. Wall would average 17 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals a game and Cousins would average 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game in the 2009-10 NCAA season at Kentucky. After one year, both of them would advance to the NBA and become stars at the professional level.
Well, you might see where this is going. What if John Wall was able to come to Sacramento and join with Cousins to form one of the best point guard-center duos in the league? What if the Wizards also got the pieces and draft picks they need to build a young team? How would all of this happen? Let's find out.
1.John Wall to Sacramento
First, we have to find a way to trade the Wizards for John Wall. Obviously, to get a franchise's best player, you would have to give up some significant assets. However, we can find a way to get Wall to the Kings without moving Cousins, their most important player.
Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards have not been able to ascend to the next level despite John Wall playing outstanding. Bradley Beal is an excellent scorer as well, but he and John Wall lack the chemistry to succeed.
When Wall and Cousins were in college, both of them went to Kentucky and played alongside each other with fantastic chemistry. Wall would average 17 points, 7 assists, and 2 steals a game and Cousins would average 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks a game in the 2009-10 NCAA season at Kentucky. After one year, both of them would advance to the NBA and become stars at the professional level.
Well, you might see where this is going. What if John Wall was able to come to Sacramento and join with Cousins to form one of the best point guard-center duos in the league? What if the Wizards also got the pieces and draft picks they need to build a young team? How would all of this happen? Let's find out.
1.John Wall to Sacramento
First, we have to find a way to trade the Wizards for John Wall. Obviously, to get a franchise's best player, you would have to give up some significant assets. However, we can find a way to get Wall to the Kings without moving Cousins, their most important player.
The above trade is the most reasonable, since the Wizards would get a scorer in Rudy Gay, a point guard to replace John Wall until they find someone else in Darren Collison, a young big man the team can develop in Willie Cauley-Stein, and another young player in Skal Labissiere. Also, the Kings would have to give their 2018 First Round pick as well as a 2017 Second Round pick. In exchange, the Kings get John Wall and a veteran big man in Markieff Morris.
2.Managing the Wizards: Drafting Lonzo Ball
Now, you might be thinking that the trade would be unfair for the Wizards. However, they're getting rid of a player who doesn't have good chemistry with Beal in exchange for a veteran scorer, a decent point guard, and two young big men. Obviously, without Wall, the Wizards would do worse. However, if Washington manages their resources properly, they can rebuild their franchise.
First, I would move Cauley-Stein in exchange for JaMychal Green from the Grizzlies to bring in a power forward with potential.
The Wizards are 8-13 as of right now, despite Wall's recent, explosive performances. After losing Wall, I believe the Wizards would tank long enough to place themselves in contention for a top 7 pick, and with this pick, they should draft Lonzo Ball, a guard from UCLA. Ball is one of the most unique guards in NCAA basketball, with insane range and scoring ability. Ball and Beal would be an explosive scoring backcourt, along with the emerging Otto Porter at the small forward spot.
Even with Ball, the Wizards will still not be immediate contenders. However, they will definitely see a new and improved young core of players. With Gortat getting older, the Wizards should look to draft a big man in the 2018 NBA Draft. Washington should be able to draft Brandon McCoy, a Class of 2017 prospect, rated 95 by ESPN Recruiting. McCoy has showcased exceptional inside scoring ability, as well as a bit of his shooting ability.
By acquiring JaMychal Green, Brandon McCoy, and Lonzo Ball, the Wizards would have one of the best young teams in the league. By signing a few veterans to help out, this team would be able to ascend to the next level.
3.The Kentucky Trio comes to Sacramento
If the Wall trade worked out, the Kings wouldn't instantly become a contender either. After losing a valuable scorer in Rudy Gay, they would have to compensate in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Kings, who are currently 8-14, should trade Ben McLemore to move up to a top 5 pick. Using this pick, they should acquire another Kentucky star in Malik Monk. Monk is a dynamic scorer with NBA star potential. This "Kentucky Trio" would definitely improve the Kings and would help them get to the playoffs.
Overall, I think these trades and draft picks would improve both teams. Obviously, this most likely will not happen, as Washington will want to keep Wall. This is simply a series of possible scenarios, which would be intriguing if they came to life.
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Credits
Basketball Recruiting Data: http://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/playerrankings
ESPN's NBA Trade Machine: http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine
NBA Statistics: http://www.basketball-reference.com/
NCAA Basketball Statistics: http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/
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