The 3-18 Washington Wizards still don’t seem to be going anywhere fast. The team has been starting a pair of 33-year-olds on a team that is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
The veteran leadership from CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton has certainly been important. But with both on expiring contracts, it doesn’t make a ton of sense for either player to still be here after the trade deadline.
McCollum has been playing some really good ball for Washington, with multiple 40-point nights to his name this season. He is actually the oldest player since Michael Jordan to drop 40 here.
He’s proven to be a strong vet, while also being able to still take and make big shots.
In this hypothetical offer, CJ would land with the Detroit Pistons, where he would immediately become their sixth man.
In return, Tobias Harris would come over, along with a few other pieces. Let’s discuss.
Tobias Harris for CJ McCollum Swap
The Cleveland Cavaliers took the league by storm last year when they began 15-0. The Detroit Pistons have been this year’s version of that, atop the East through the first eight weeks of the season. One thing has been missing there. Led too, by one-time Cavs Head Coach JB Bickerstaff.
Daniss Jenkins has cooled off a bit after his hot start. Jaden Ivey hasn’t been great of late either. Caris LeVert’s inconsistency has plagued him here, as much as it did in both Cleveland and Atlanta.
So, here comes the trade idea. CJ McCollum has been filling it up with points for the past 12 years. He would head to the Pistons in this hypothetical deal. In return, Washington would receive Tobias Harris, Marcus Sasser, a 2026 2nd-round pick, and a 2027 2nd-round pick.
McCollum has not come off the bench for 11 years, going back to his second year with the Blazers. In this role, he would spell Cade Cunningham and instantly become the top scorer on the floor. He can add what the team was missing at the end of their playoff series with the New York Knicks.
Timely scoring and playmaking is what CJ can provide.
On the other side, Washington would bring in a vet in Harris. He’s been moved at four different trade deadlines. As somebody that can also score, he would be an upgrade at the PF spot, with the team having the option to extend him next year.
Sasser would also be part of the trade, coming over as a young microwave scorer off the bench. The two picks just provide the Wizards incentive to part sooner than later with their leading man.
The deal gives Washington the chance to upgrade their front-court, while giving Detroit a legitimate starting-caliber guy who can fill numerous roles.
Trade Helps Pistons Achieve Contender Status
The tough identity of the Detroit Pistons has already been established. With this hypothetical deal bringing CJ McCollum in the fold, they are even more dangerous.
At 18-5 and with team chemistry seemingly very high, this is the first time in two decades that Detroit looks like a serious contender. Add in a consistent scorer that can stay healthy, and things look even peachier.
The deal also gives Tobias Harris a chance at a bigger role, while making their front-court options more flexible. It enables the Isaiah Stewart–Jalen Duren starting pair to become possible again. They’re anchoring a top-3 defense.
Watch out, Eastern Conference. The phone lines will be working as the Motor City squad helps round out their roster in the coming months.
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