NBA Trade Rumors: Washington Wizards interested in Luol Deng trade?
By Josh Hill
The Washington Wizards are one of a few usually below average teams to be making a run at the postseason, and this has caused them to become more active as the trade deadline approaches. The Wizards have been rumored to be after guys like Metta World Peace, Beno Udrih and Greg Monroe, but another name has been added to the rumor list.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, the Washington Wizards would be wise to acquire Luol Deng before the deadline passes this Thursday.
"Deng is a two-time All-Star and he’s really, really good when he’s playing at his best, so I do think it would a significant upgrade. Deng is also a terrific leader and everything you want from a star player on and off the court. Also, there’s no guarantee that Ariza will be back next year since he’s an unrestricted free agent, so trading for Deng and getting his Bird rights to potentially lock him up could be a good long-term move for Washington."
Kennedy was comparing Deng to Trevor Azaria, someone who may be on the move but is vastly underrated. If the Wizards acquire Deng from the Cavs, they may become true threats to make a deep run in the postseason and it could change Deng’s mind about how teams with lung stars operate.