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Washington Wizards: 3 trade targets that could improve the defense

By Collin Loring

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks to shoot in front of Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz during the game at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks to shoot in front of Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz during the game at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 12: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks to shoot in front of Georges Niang #31 of the Utah Jazz during the game at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

As the NBA’s trade deadline nears, the Washington Wizards could stand to improve defensively. We’ll take a look at three players they should keep in mind.

There wasn’t much expectation for the Washington Wizards season. At least, from fans and coaches. Star guard Bradley Beal may tell you differently, as he’s still avidly pushing for playoffs.

But at 17-32, it’s clear that this Washington team is not yet fit for a postseason run.

Instead, the Wizards would be wise to use Thursday’s trade deadline as an opportunity to improve their historically bad defense. There are plenty of names available that would be considered immediate upgrades to Washington’s defensive inadequacy.

There’s also the upcoming limited free agent market approaching in July, which doesn’t inspire hope they’ll be able to achieve the same goal in the offseason. And boy do they need to.

As of Tuesday, the 2019-2020 Wizards are boasting a 117 defensive rating, which ranks them 30th of 30 teams league-wide. If they continue this pace, then Washington would finish the season as the worst defensive team in NBA history.

Per Basketball Reference, their defensive rating would place them atop the 1981-1982 Denver Nuggets (113.9 defensive rating) as number one on the all-time list of worst defenses.

The Wizards have given up 130+ points on 11 different occasions this year, and over 150 twice. And they’ve only limited opponents to 100 points or less three times. Which, believe or not, has played to their favor. Washington is 3-0 in such games.

That kind of data suggests if the Wizards can get a grip on their defense, while simultaneously continuing to fire on all cylinders on offense, they’ll see more marks in the win column.

That being said, three players who Washington should inquire about ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

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