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Washington Wizards
Sep 5, 2025 9:45 PM EDT
It has been a rough past few seasons for the Washington Wizards as they have finished back-to-back years with less than 20 victories.
Washington will look to turn things around during the 2025-26 season behind their core of Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly (0) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) — Source: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Of course, the Wizards also made some notable moves this offseason as they traded Jordan Poole to the New Orleans Pelicans and acquired C.J. McCollum in return.
They also landed Cam Whitmore in a trade with the Houston Rockets and selected Trey Johnson and Will Riley in the 2025 draft.
Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets
Cam Whitmore, Houston Rockets — Source: USA Today Sports
While the Wizards are looking to turn their franchise around this season, there is likely to still be growing pains with their young core and they could elect to make moves ahead of the trade deadline.
If that is the case, these three players could be potential trade candidates for them.
C.J. McCollum
Philadelphia 76ers guard Cameron Payne (22) defends New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Source: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Washington acquired McCollum this offseason from the Pelicans in the Poole trade and while the veteran guard will provide the team with a veteran leader, he could also be a key trade candidate for them.
The 33-year-old guard has continued to be a great scorer and he has also improved his playmaking skills over the past handful of seasons.
Because of this, other teams may show interest in acquiring him this season and it is likely that Washington will be willing to move him for more young talent and draft capital.
Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton brings the ball up court against the Miami Heat.
Khris Middleton — Source: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Like McCollum, Middleton will give the Wizards another veteran leader in the locker room, which he was last season after the Milwaukee Bucks traded him to Washington in the Kyle Kuzma trade.
While the 34-year-old will be a solid mentor in Washington for their young players, he could also draw interest from teams around the NBA who are in need of a veteran guard to make a run in the playoffs.
If that is the case, expect the Wizards to be open to moving him to add more assets to help with their rebuild.
Corey Kispert
Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) drives to the basket
Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) — Source: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Corey Kispert has been a solid player for the Wizards over his four seasons in the NBA since they selected him 15th overall in the 2021 draft.
The 26-year-old forward is a solid scorer but he has fallen behind some other players in their rotation as he came off the bench all of last season.
Because of this, the Wizards may listen to offers for their young forward as they try to not only land more assets for their rebuild, but also open up more playing time for their young talent.
With the Wizards still stuck in a rebuild, they could be active ahead of the trade deadline this season as they continue to search for more young talent and draft capital to help them turn their franchise around.
About the Author
Nathaniel Holloway