NBA Trade Rumours: 3 players that could leave the Washington Wizards ahead of the trade deadline

The NBA trade deadline will close next week ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window has historically closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, however, since 2018, the deadline has closed 10 days before the NBA's best players face off in the prestigious game.

The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.

Despite high expectations when entering the season, the Washington Wizards have struggled to compete in a historically weak Eastern Conference, and the team currently sit two spots out the playoff places. With John Wall out of the remainder of the season, qualifying for the postseason appears tough, and a number of players on Washington's roster has been linked with trades.

So, as we enter the final three days of the trade window, here are three Wizards that could depart.

#3 Thomas Bryant

Since being claimed off waivers by the Wizards last summer, Thomas Bryant's development has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. The 21-year-old was expected to be sent down to the G-League, however, Bryant has benefited from the injury to Dwight Howard, and has already started 36 games.

Bryant has impressed in his starting role, averaging 9.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, although the young center is set to become a free agent in the summer. While the Wizards won't want to lose their most promising young player, the former Lakers man may ultimately be used as part of a larger trade, and teams such as the Rockets are known to be looking to acquire a center in the mould of Bryant.

#2 Trevor Ariza

The Washington Wizards acquired Trevor Ariza from the Phoenix Suns back in December, however, despite adding Ariza to the roster, the Wizards have still struggled to make a serious playoff push. Due to this, NBC Sports Washington is reporting that Ariza could be on the move once more:

But it doesn’t mean teams won’t be calling, especially those looking at two-way perimeter players like Trevor Ariza. So who would be interested in Ariza? Wing-needy New Orleans faces pressure putting a winner around Anthony Davis. The Los Angeles Lakers, the favorites for Ariza before the Wizards swooped in, slipped in the Western Conference standings with LeBron James sidelined. Golden State, Philadelphia, Houston and Portland are logical fits.

During his time in Washington, Ariza has managed an impressive 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Despite this, Ariza may become a last minute option for a number of contenders such as the Lakers, and the Wizards are unlikely to be opposed to trading away a 33-year-old who is set to become a free agent in the summer.

#1 Otto Porter

Despite the Wizards' struggles this season, Otto Porter Jr. has continued to perform well. The 25-year-old is currently averaging 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game, and according to The Athletic, Porter's performances have caught the attention of the Utah Jazz:

As we head into trade deadline season, the Jazz continue to search for that dynamic third piece that up to this point has eluded them. According to sources, the Jazz have expressed interest in Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley and Wizards small forward Otto Porter Jr., both of whom have been put on the trade block by their respective teams.

While Porter Jr. is one of the best players on the Wizards roster, the small forward is currently signed to a huge contract that will see him earn $56 million over the next two seasons. Due to this, trading Porter Jr. is something that Washington are likely to consider, as the team already has huge contracts in place for both John Wall and Bradley Beal.