Washington Wizards Join NBA Trade Game, Send Hinrich and Armstrong to Atlanta

According to Michael Lee of the Washington Post, ESPN and numerous other sources, the Washington Wizards have finalized a deal that will send guard Kirk Hinrich and center Hilton Armstrong to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Mike Bibby, forward Mo Evans, shooting guard Jordan Crawford and a 2011 first-round draft pick.

At first glance, the Atlanta Hawks instantly get better before the playoffs by acquiring a great defender and strong locker room guy like Kirk Hinrich.

However, I am extremely excited for the first round pick Washington gains in next year’s draft—perhaps even making the trade a win-win.

From what I’ve heard, Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld was trying to pry as much away from the Hawks as possible and Atlanta was reportedly stiff on including 22 year old shooting guard Jordan Crawford in the deal.

What Do The Wizards Gain?

Mike Bibby ($5.56m, 2 years) 

A veteran guard who is having quite the off-year, Bibby can provide some experience… and that’s about it. Bibby is a decent shooter but at this point in his career at age 32, he’s too slow and could never defend to begin with. I can already hear Wizards fans calling for a buyout. For the season, Bibby is averaging nine points, four assists and three rebounds per game.

Mo Evans ($2.50m, 1 year) 

Another veteran player, Evans is a journeyman who has played with six teams in nine NBA seasons. Although listed at 6-foot-5, Evans is considered a small forward and he’s strong in the paint. In my opinion, this is a temporary player with an expiring contract—nothing more, nothing less. Evans is averaging six points and two rebounds per game this season.

Jordan Crawford ($1.04m, 2 years) 

Drafted in the first round of last year’s National Basketball Association Draft (27th overall), Crawford is a young guard with intriguing potential. Gaining most of his popularity after reportedly dunking on LeBron James two summers ago in a basketball camp, Crawford is a steal in the sense that he’s a project and very inexpensive over the next two seasons. Crawford is averaging four points and two rebounds per game this season.

2011 First-Round Draft Pick 

Yes, yes and more yes. When Ted Leonsis took over as owner of the Washington Wizards, he vowed that he would build a winning team through the Draft and continue to build strong charactered athletes. With Ernie Grunfeld fighting for a first round pick in this deal, the proof is out that Leonsis speaks the truth. To me, this keeps Grunfeld in Washington.

What Do The Wizards Lose?

Kirk Hinrich ($9.0m, 2 years)

A very strong defender on the perimeter, Hinrich is one of the classiest guys in the game. I took a strong liking to him in his short stint with the Wizards and he’s a big upgrade for the Hawks, who were in serious need of a defending point guard. Hinrich will be missed.

Hilton Armstrong ($854k, 1 year) 

Although an option for the front court in Washington, Grunfeld and the crew have obviously decided that rookies Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin are better players… which is a good thing.