Washington Wizards
Why It Makes Sense for the Portland Trail Blazers
As has been reiterated time and time again throughout these trades, the Trail Blazers need to improve on defense more than anything. And this trade is exclusively about getting better on that end of the court.
Like Anfernee Simons, Isaac Bonga is a very raw prospect who has the potential to be something special if he can figure it out. He’s a six-foot-eight guard with a seven-foot wingspan, eleven words that will get any GM in the league salivating. Although he hasn’t yet turned his physical ability into consistent performances, Bongas defensive potential alone makes him a great fit in the Blazers rotation. If paired with Gary Trent Jr. in the backcourt, the Blazers bench defense would suddenly be looking a whole lot better.
Acquiring another second-round pick this year also gives Portland a chance to trade back up into the first round if anyone high up on their board happens to fall.
Why It Makes Sense for Washington:
With rumors about Bradley Beal’s future with the team swirling, it may be time for the Wizards to start looking for his potential long-term replacement in the backcourt.
Anfernee Simons is in much the same mold as Beal, a high volume scorer with struggles on the defensive end. But unlike Beal, Simons is young and has the potential to improve on that end of the court, especially with his nearly six-foot-ten wingspan.
Beal stays, Simons can learn from one of the best pure scorers in the game while having the luxury of playing next to an elite facilitator in John Wall.