Washington Wizards: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason

Trade Dwight Howard to Memphis Grizzlies for C.J. Miles

This trade with the Memphis Grizzlies brought conflicting feelings, but the emergence of Thomas Bryant last season forced the Washington Wizards’ hand.

On one hand, Dwight Howard played well in a limited sample size and could do so again if he stays on the court, on the other hand C.J. Miles fits the team’s style of play.

Howard saw only nine games last season after suffering nagging lower body injuries. In those games he proved he can still play, averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds.

He exercised his player option early in the offseason and expressed a desire to stay with the team and beat his injury troubles.

However, with the re-signing and emergence of Thomas Bryant, the team no longer needed Howard. The Wizards were not left empty handed in terms of experience after the deal.

C.J. Miles, the return piece from the Grizz, is a 14-year veteran who moves the ball well on offense and can also space the floor.

While he is worth a few million more than Howard, his $8.7 million contract is inconsequential to a Wizards team that got back under the tax level this season and will likely not exceed it.

Miles does have some health concerns and needs foot surgery. The front office does not seem to be worried about the 32-year-old’s injury that was diagnosed as a stress fracture.

Should he be healthy in time, the 6’6” shooting guard could potentially be a starter this season. He could work well as a secondary ball handler and distributor to scorers Bradley Beal and Isaiah Thomas or he can play off the ball in a catch-and-shoot role.

The shooting guard will likely be a one-year rental. Miles’ fit with the team on and off the court is better than Howard’s because of his maturity and his style of play, but the Wizards will need him to heal up first.

Grade: B