NBA Rumors: Washington Wizards show interest in Shabazz Muhammad
The Washington Wizards are exploring help on the wing
The Washington Wizards started off the year rough and it looked like they were going to be a seller at this year’s trade deadline, but they managed to turn things around and are now buyers. One of the areas they want some improvement is their wing depth. The bench feels a little slim and upgrading the wing feels like the logical next step for them. While obviously not desperate for a deal, it was reported today that the Wizards are potentially interested in Shabazz Muhammad.
Washington has shown interest in Minnesota's Shabazz Muhammad, according to league sources, as the Wiz continue to search for bench upgrades
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 22, 2017
The Minnesota Timberwolves wing has become a decent player the last couple years and is still young enough to theoretically improve. Muhammad is a strong defender and this season he’s become a more efficient scorer, but he has very limited range as a shooter. He doesn’t take many 3-pointers or get to the free throw line very often making him pretty limited on offense, however the Wizards already have plenty of that so it would make sense they’re taking a look at potential defensive upgrades.
Minnesota on the other hand is likely looking for a veteran to help provide some consistently to their extremely young roster. Muhammad is replaceable for them and they’re more interested at this point in getting talent on the roster that can help them win games. If that means giving up a young guy like Muhammad then so be it. However, it’ll be interesting to see what they would get back in a deal. The Wizards would go after Muhammad to provide bench depth. Is there really anybody on Washington that Minnesota considers an upgrade?
This trade feels unlikely to happen, but crazier things have happened in the NBA. If the Wolves can find a player they like for the right price then they should be willing to give up Muhammad.