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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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 1: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates during the game against the New York Knicks on February 1, 2020 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 1: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates during the game against the New York Knicks on February 1, 2020 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Myles Turner

Washington’s reported interest in Tristan Thompson raises more questions than answers, but one question specifically: If they’re going for a rim protector, why not go after the best available?

Myles Turner is slowly but surely being edged out by the Indiana Pacers. His exit has been nearly cemented by the Pacers agreeing on an extension with Domantas Sabonis. But Turner’s just 23 years old, and he’s shown frequent flashes of being an above-average big in today’s game.

Not only does he shoot well (35 percent on the season) from long range, but he hasn’t let that spacing affect his ability to defend the paint. In fact, he’s already recorded three games this season with five or more blocks, per Basketball Reference.

If the Wizards are looking to not only improve their defense, but at the same time upgrade at the big man position, Turner makes a world of sense. He fits the timeline for both a rebuild and contending, while already being locked into a deal longterm.

dark. Next. Most likely player to be dealt from each team at the NBA trade deadline

And the price tag required to acquire him from Indiana may not be that steep. Washington’s got a healthy stash of second rounders, and his $18-million salary won’t be hard to match. Turner’s (still) a young prospect with loads of promise in the one department the Washington Wizards most need help.

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