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After their blockbuster deal in the off-season, the Washington Wizards were primed to become a new powerhouse in the NBA's Eastern Conference.
With former league MVP, Russell Westbrook, joining a top-tier scorer Bradley Beal, it looked like a winning bet that was going to take the Washington Wizards to new heights.
However, things have not quite worked out in that direction in the nation's capital. The Washington Wizards are at the rock bottom of the Eastern Conference, after a dismal 2-8 start to the season. While their star duo has put on some incredible individual performances, that hasn't translated to wins for the franchise.
Five players the Washington Wizards should target before the NBA trade deadline
With Thomas Bryant out with a season-ending injury, the Washington Wizards will need to answer the burning question of what comes next.
One effective way out of this predicament would be to shake things up with new acquisitions that could turn around their fortunes and get them back on track. On that note, let's take a look at five players the Washington Wizards could target before the NBA trade deadline.
#1 Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose is a former All-Star and one of the most talented players to have graced the hardwood. While he is nowhere close to his MVP form due to several injuries he has suffered during his career, Rose still has a lot left in the tank.
The player, whp has made a successful comeback in the NBA, could provide a much-needed spark for the Washington Wizards with awe-inspiring acrobatic finishes.
Rose could be the third wheel at the Washington Wizards, leading the second unit on a nightly basis.
He is hungry for a title, and teaming up with Westbrook and Beal could potentially turn things around for all of them.
#2 Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry will probably not be an easy fit at the Washington Wizards, as he is still in the prime of his career and commands a big payout.
However, he could be the solution to all their current problems. Lowry's championship experience and calmness in tough situations could be invaluable attributes at the Washington Wizards.
He has been instrumental in the Toronto Raptor's success for many seasons and led Toronto as the primary ball-handler during their historic title run in 2019.
Kyle Lowry's former teammates Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka abandoned ship with the hopes of winning another title in LA. Perhaps Kyle Lowry could also consider a move that brings him back tp the limelight, but the Washington Wizards will need to add more pieces on top of this play to get there.
#3 Demar DeRozan
Demar DeRozan continues to be a target for the Washington Wizards, among many teams, as he reportedly wants his way out of the San Antonio Spurs.
The Washington Wizards have the top-scoring shooting guard in Bradley Beal on the floor already. However, a move for DeRozan could offset the lack of point production from Westbrook, who hasn't been scoring anywhere close to his former MVP days.
DeRozan could nevertheless step in and stretch the floor with his long-range shooting, an area where Westbrook sorely lacks.
DeRozan has a career average of over 20 points on 45% shooting from the floor. The former four-time NBA All-Star could be the missing piece for the Washington Wizards.
#4 Kevin Love
Thomas Bryant going out for the season with a torn ACL has left the Washington Wizards short-handed in their front line.
Bryant was not only a rim protector but the third-highest contributor in points after Beal and Westbrook. There should be a sense of urgency for the Washington Wizards to find a suitable replacement for Bryant's position.
This is where Kevin Love could come in, as he is an all-around player who could lift the Washington Wizards.
Love could post up near the rim and shoot the long-range three, giving the Washington Wizards more options in offense. He is also known to throw cross-court passes to the end zone with perfection/
Kevin Love is a proven champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers and could be a good fit at the Washington Wizards too.
#5 LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge is another player whose name gets thrown around for a possible trade deal.
He could serve as a replacement for Thomas Bryant and can stretch the floor for the Washington Wizards with his mid-range game.
Aldridge has been one of the best power forwards in the league and could be amenable for a deal that sends him to join a superstar duo like Westbrook and Beal.
Together the three of them could redefine the Washington Wizards lineup, and with a few more additions, the franchise could turn around theor season and start winning games.
The Eastern Conference is seen as an easier pathway to the playoffs when compared to the stacked Western Conference.
With the right tweak, the Washington Wizards could climb back into contention and fight their way into the top eight positions. In this regard, LaMarcus Aldridge could be a potential target for the franchise to consider this season.
