Andray Blatche For Ron Artest: A Trade the Washington Wizards should make.

Andray Blatche has been a defensive liability for the Wizards since he was drafted.  He does have some skill on the offensive side of the ball, but his inconsistency and insubordinate attitude make him a distraction, which is the last thing the Wizards need right now.

The Wizards are a young team.  John Wall, if he can stay healthy, looks to be the future face of this franchise.  Kirk Hinrich provides a veteran presence.  The sky is the limit for JaVale McGee.  Josh Howard is working his way back.  Yi Jianlian is a solid player.  Nick Young is looking like a true scorer. 

The one guy who no longer fits is Andray Blatche, besides maybe Ernie Grunfield, but we'll save that for another article.

Two of the main reasons (and there are many) that the Wizards are having such an awful season  youth, mentioned above, and defense.

Acquiring Ron Artest would address both areas of need.  At 31, he's a grizzled veteran who can be a positive (hopefully) influence on Wall and Young in the backcourt.  He's also a former Defensive Player of the Year who can add some much-needed toughness to this young roster.

Maybe he could help turn Trevor Booker into even more of a beast, as he's looking to be so far in his young career.

The Lakers, on the other hand, could use some young depth in the frontcourt.  Blatche provides good size and a decent scoring threat.  For his sake, I hope the veteran presences of Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant would help him grow up a little bit.

There's no question that Ron Artest has had his issues in the past.  From the famous Malice in the Palace, to his music producing endeavors and wanting to play football.  To say he has a history of being a distraction is quite an understatement. 

Despite the risk, I think it'd be worth bringing him in.  He clearly doesn't want to be in L.A. anymore.  He's no longer needed, no longer a fit.

Obviously Lakers and Wizards brass would have to figure out the contracts, and there may be another player or two thrown into the mix, but I think this trade can and should happen.

Other players who could be in the mix between the two teams:

Lakers

Theo Ratliff, C

Joe Smith, PF

Steve Blake, PG

Luke Walton, SF

Wizards

Nick Young, SG

Kirk Hinrich, PG

Kevin Seraphin, PF

Hilton Armstrong, C

Yes, I know there are all kinds of contractual restrictions and the dollars and cents won't necessarily match but his is just hypothetical.