The Washington Wizards Want Larry Hughes Back

In 2004-2005, Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, and Antawn Jamison led the Washington Wizards into the second round of the playoffs, winning 45 regular season games in the process.

Those guys were the most dominant set of "triplets" in the NBA and were given the "Big Three" moniker by many NBA reporters.

Arenas and Hughes formed one of the best backcourts in the NBA. They were close friends and meshed well on the court together. Offensively and defensively, they were just fun to watch.

After the 2004-2005 season, Hughes became a free-agent and ended up signing a five-year, $70 million deal to join LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Wizards had discussed re-signing Hughes, but he was unhappy with the offer and took his game to Cleveland.

Hughes had a rough career with the Cavaliers, fighting through injuries, ineffectiveness, and the loss of his brother, Justin.

As a result Hughes was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2008 as part of a three-team trade. Hughes' career with the Bulls has also been tough. With his minutes dwindling, he has told general manager John Paxson that he would like to be traded.

A couple of months ago, the Wizards were interested in bringing Hughes back. Hughes was on the verge of being traded for Antonio Daniels, Etan Thomas, and Dee Brown but an injury to Hughes held up the deal.

The Wizards have shown interest in Hughes and would love to have him back, but every time they try to deal for him an injury seems to get in the way.

The Wizards would be wise to re-acquire him this year because he can help the Wizards in many areas, especially as a mentor for second-year guard Nick Young.

I expect the Wizards to make a splash before the trade deadline.