Washington Wizards: 3 trade targets that could improve the defense

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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Thaddeus Young #21 of the Chicago Bulls jumps for the ball during the Toronto Raptors vs Chicago Bulls NBA regular season game at Scotiabank Arena on February 02, 2020 in Toronto, Canada (Toronto Raptors won 129-102) (Photo by Anatoliy Cherkasov/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

Thaddeus Young

Quite possibly the most interesting candidate to join the Washington Wizards’ fold is Thaddeus Young of Chicago. A 13-year veteran, he’s one of the few bright spots on a disappointing Chicago Bulls team.

For Chicago, this year’s trade deadline has gone from an opportunity to equip their roster for a postseason run, to cashing in talent for assets ahead of another run at playoffs next season.

The Bulls would be wise to gauge the market for Young, much as the Wizards would be wise to reach out on his potential availability. Not only is Washington a terrible defensive team, but they’re not yet built for the imminent playoff run they’d like to make once John Wall returns.

And yes, the immediate criticism for any Young acquisition is his poor shooting numbers. He’s posting a 44/34/58 shooting split on the year, but that’s not why Washington would bring him in.

Because as constructed, the Wizards have a top-5 offense in the NBA. Bringing in Young isn’t to improve their offense, but quite the opposite. In fact, he’d likely see a decrease in shot attempts, which depending on how you feel about that sort of thing, could better or worsen his shooting.

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