Washington Wizards strike big; get Nene in a three team deal involving Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers – NBA Trade
The Washington Wizards are a project in rebuilding mode – they have been for quite some time now.
On Thursday, hours before the expiration of the trade deadline though, they traded away centre JaVale McGee and wingman Nick Young, the two players who were considered as the building blocks of the franchise along with John Wall,
the number one pick of the 2009 draft.
In what was a three team deal also involving the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers, the Wizards got the versatile Brazilian big, Nene Hilario, from the Nuggets and Brian Cook along with a second-round pick in 2015 from
the Clippers.
The Nuggets get a solid big in McGee and injured point guard Ronny Turiaf while Nick Young heads to his native city to join the Clippers.
The shipping of Nene from Denver comes as a huge surprise as the franchise had just signed a five-year, $67 million contract with himin December. The emergence of Kenneth Faried however and the recent injuries could have played
a huge part in the decision.
The move bodes well for the Wizards as they can finally have a proven on court leader and more importantly a consistent performer – a trait not associated with Young and McGee - in their lineup. If Nene can maintain his fitness
levels, he can be an asset for the Wizards;
"Nene is a versatile player who will bring experience and a physical presence to our frontcourt," Washington general manager Ernie Grunfeld said in a press conference. "He is a strong rebounder, tough defender and a fierce competitor.
His veteran leadership and postseason experience will be a positive influence in our locker room."
As for the Nuggets, the addition of McGee will add further depth to their already deep roster.
With the Nuggets and the Wizards making major changes, the best end of the deal was cut by the Clippers. After Chauncey Billups got injured and was ruled out for the whole season, they have been struggling to find shots from perimeter
and going into the trade market, an apt option, was their major requirement.
With this trade, they have got their wish without virtually giving anything. Brian had been struggling to get into Vinny Del Negro’s lineup any way and a second roundup pick in 2015 would not have mattered much for the team that
is trying to become a contender. With Young, they will get an athletic shooting guard, who can actually shoot.
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