The Washington Wizards made a flurry of moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline, signaling a clear focus on long-term development and asset accumulation. By moving key players and acquiring future draft capital, the team is doubling down on a patient rebuild rather than short-term competitiveness.
Breaking Down the Trades
Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks
The Wizards sent forward Kyle Kuzma, along with Patrick Baldwin Jr. and a future second-round pick, to the Milwaukee Bucks. In return, Washington received veteran forward Khris Middleton, guard AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap.
Middleton, a three-time All-Star, provides the Wizards with veteran leadership and a steady scoring presence. However, given Washington’s rebuilding timeline, there is speculation that he may be flipped again in the offseason or bought out.
Kuzma was satisfied in his role with the Wizards up until this season when some of his dissatisfaction began to show recently when he said he is done trying to “fit into everything we’re doing here.” Nonetheless, Kuzma always felt the “sky is the limit” for his career.
Jonas Valančiūnas to the Sacramento Kings
Washington traded center Jonas Valančiūnas to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward Sidy Cissoko and two second-round draft picks. However, shortly after the trade, the Wizards opted to waive Cissoko, reinforcing that this deal was primarily about securing additional draft assets rather than acquiring young talent.
Jared Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers
The Wizards also moved guard Jared Butler and four second-round picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for veteran guard Reggie Jackson and a 2026 first-round pick. Similar to Cissoko, the Wizards quickly waived Jackson.
Marcus Smart Joins the Wizards in Multi-Team Trade with Memphis
In a surprising move, the Wizards acquired veteran guard Marcus Smart and a 2025 first-round pick from the Memphis Grizzlies in a multi-team deal. As part of the trade, Washington sent Marvin Bagley III and Johnny Davis to Memphis, while the Grizzlies received two second-round picks.
Additionally, the Sacramento Kings are sending a 2028 second-rounder to Memphis, plus Colby Jones and Alex Len to Washington, to acquire the Grizzlies’ Jake LaRavia as part of the Marcus Smart trade.
Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, brings toughness, leadership, and defensive intensity to a Wizards team that has lacked an identity in recent years. However, like Middleton, his long-term fit in Washington is uncertain.
What This Means for the Wizards
These moves highlight Washington’s commitment to a full-scale rebuild. While the departure of Kuzma and Valančiūnas removes two of the team’s most reliable contributors, the return of draft picks and potential trade assets aligns with the franchise’s goal of stockpiling resources for the future.
Waiving Cissoko further clarifies the Wizards’ approach: rather than experimenting with young players, the front office is prioritizing flexibility and asset collection. Middleton and Smart could either serve as a short-term mentors for Washington’s young core or be flipped later for additional assets.
The key takeaway from the team’s approach to the trade deadline is Washington’s increasing draft capital. Adding first-round picks from Memphis and Philadelphia puts the Wizards in a better position to build through the draft or package assets for a future star.
By focusing on the long game, the Wizards are setting the stage for a gradual rebuild, banking on future draft picks and player development to return to competitiveness in the years to come.