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The Washington Wizards are having a lukewarm 2017-18 campaign, and it appears that things are going to get even tougher. Their All-Star, leader, and floor general, John Wall, is expected to miss the next six weeks as he will be undergoing a knee procedure.
The inevitable challenges of Wall's absence, however, won’t sway the Wizards to unload their 2018 first-round pick, according to NBA insider David Aldridge:
Meanwhile, Wizards know what Wall’s loss means to short term, but remain determined to keep their 2018 first-round pick after dealing their firsts in three of the previous four years to fill holes on roster. A trade this year would have to involve a star, not a role player.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) January 30, 2018
The selection would likely be inside the top 23, and although it's several picks outside the lottery, it's still a spot where the draft steals are usually taken – like Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers, who went 27th in the past draft.
The front office might also be eyeing the pick to address the dire need of finding a reliable reliever for two-guard Bradley Beal.
In terms of dealing it to a veteran, though, it also doesn't look like the Wizards would need to give up their higher draft pick to make the desired reinforcements. Outside of the three untouchables – Wall, Beal, and maybe Otto Porter – there are pieces that will be attractive to many teams. Kelly Oubre Jr., Tomas Satoransky, and Marcin Gortat, among others, are guys that can produce on both ends of the floor.
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Nevertheless, plenty of pro Wizards websites have spoken on what the team ought to do.
Jake Whitacre of Bullets Forever suggested a big man:
“Before the season, I made the case for why DeAndre Jordan should be the Wizards’ top trade target. Nothing has changed on that front.”
Jen Julie Smith of Wiz of Awes also wants a defensive center, but he has a different name in mind:
“[Dwight] Howard is on par to average another double-double. He’s currently averaging 15.8 points and 12.8 rebounds. Those numbers are similar to his second year in the league.
A lineup of two All-Stars —Wall and Bradley Beal— Porter, Keef [Markieff Morris] and former All-Star Dwight Howard would help the Wizards make a deep playoff push.”
