Washington Wizards: Potential Trades to Review During the Break

The Washington Wizards have had a disappointing season so far. Between Gilbert Arenas' future up for grabs with the team, and the loss of the team's general manager Ernie Grunfeld, moves need to be made in order to improve the team and to make them competitive in the 2010-11 season. With the Feb. 18 trade deadline looming, let's look at the deals Washington may do come next Thursday.

Caron Butler for Tracy McGrady

Washington has had talks with Houston about sending Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood and either Deshawn Stevenson or Mike James to Houston in exchange for Tracy McGrady. However, Washington has made it very clear to Houston that they would want either Carl Landry or Louis Scola back. Washington would get cap relief in this deal, and would not have to pay Butler the $10 million he is owed next season.
Houston would receive the better end of this trade because Butler is a two-time All Star and is averaging 16.4 points a game. He plays great defense, and Haywood would anchor their middle, He could also provide them with insurance if Yao Ming is not ready to start the 2010-11 season.

Josh Howard for Caron Butler

Washington has also been in talks with Dallas about forward Josh Howard. In this deal, Washington would send Butler and Deshawn Stevenson to Dallas, in exchange for Howard and Quinton Ross or James Singleton. Dallas has been shopping around Howard for quite some time now. They feel like forward Shawn Marion offers some of the things Howard does, if not better.
Washington would erase the $4 million they owe Stevenson next season, so this would be great deal if they could pull it off.

Jamsion to Cleveland

This is one of the hottest trade talks that has been going on for some time. In this deal, Cleveland would get Antawn Jamison and in exchange, Washington would get back Zydrunas Ilgauskas, J.J.Hickson and a first-round draft pick. This deal seems unlikely because Cleveland does not want to give up Hickson in any deal; they feel like he can be in All-Star one day. Some people believe what Washington is asking in return of Jamison is way too much to give up for a 34-year-older will be making $28 million dollars in the next two seasons.

Hamilton and Prince to Washington

Head coach Flip Saunders has not had the players in Washington he needs to run his offense. Washington should make a deal with the Detroit Pistons to acquire Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. The Wizards could offer Detroit Caron Butler, Mike Miller, Jarvis Crittenton in exchange for Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Detroit would save $12 million in this deal, and Washington would get back two very good veterans who can play and can help them out in various areas.

Haywood to Portland

Washington and Portland have talked about a deal that would send Brendan Haywood to Portland and Washington would receive Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez. However, Portland does not want to give up Fernandez in the deal but would rather give up Travis Outlaw or Martell Webster. Haywood will be a free agent at the end of the season, and Washington probably knows that they will not have the money to resign him. He may not want to come back so the best thing they can do is to trade him and get something in return.

Stoudemire for Butler and Jamison

With the Phoenix Suns struggling, they have increased their efforts to trade All star forward Amare Stoudemire. Stoudemire has made it very clear to Phoenix organization, that he will opt of the $17 million he is owed next season and become a free agent in 2010.Last season, Phoenix tried their best to trade Stoudemire but they figured out that first year head coach Terry Porter was their problem and not Stoudemire.

Phoenix are talking to several teams including,Golden state Warriors, Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Miami Heat.

Washington should really consider thinking about acquiring Stoudemire, because he is a great young talent, has a great skill set, and could be a good piece to start with if your rebuilding.

Washington could offer Phoenix Butler, Jamison, Andray Blatche and a second round draft pick in 2010. Phoenix could send them back Stoudemire and shooting guard Leandro Barbosa.

If this deal goes through, Washington would have to worry about Stoudemire resigning with them this summer and how much is he going to break the bank.

Washington would be in great position to start the 2010-11 NBA season.