The Washington Wizards have sent the NBA trade market into a frenzy after acquiring Trae Young for a relatively small price. With this blockbuster signifying the beginning of the trade season, Washington could be a heavy player in every deal leading up to the trade deadline. With their hands firmly in the market, two other Wizards could be traded right behind CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert.
Wizards Could Move These 2 Players Next After Blockbuster Trade
If the Wizards’ front office wants to further their shockwave in the trade market, Bilal Coulibaly and Cam Whitmore could provide a decent return if they play their cards right. Both players are in different situations, but can easily be considered movable based on their play thus far this season.
Cam Whitmore
Whitmore has easily been one of the more disappointing members of Washington’s team this season. After the front office paid next to nothing for him in the offseason, he was easily the most exciting addition heading into the 2025-26 campaign. However, things have not gone according to plan, and Whitmore is currently out indefinitely with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Even before his injury, Whitmore saw a decline in playing time to the point where he was receiving DNPs in multiple games. With reports coming out about Whitmore’s poor practice habits along with maturity problems, it’s safe to say Washington’s experiment has not started off hot. To go along with this, his play has been subpar at best across his 21 appearances this season.
He’s averaged 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in just under 17 minutes of playing time. Early problems were seen right off the bat with Whitmore; he’s supposed to be a scorer while shooting a career-worst from three, and oftentimes refused to play team ball.
The Wizards need to consider moving him as soon as possible to capitalize on whatever value he still holds in the market. ESPN’s Bobby Marks outlines a three-team deal that would send Whitmore to the New York Knicks, with Washington receiving Jeremy Sochan in return from San Antonio. Outlining the deal, Marks dives into why this deal makes sense for the Wizards to at least look into.
“For the Wizards, this is a talent play, just as acquiring Whitmore was last summer. Sochan was a lottery pick in 2022, and it’s possible a change of scenery, plus playing with an elite facilitator in Trae Young and a floor-stretching 7-footer in Alex Sarr, could help unlock his game. Whitmore struggled with his efficiency in Washington before being diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis, which has him sidelined.”
Bilal Coulibaly
If the Wizards want to continue their blockbuster trade streak, this is it. While not being named in the market, Coulibaly would garner interest from every team in the league. His third season hasn’t gotten off to a hot start, and more regression has been seen. Unfortunately, the success he has on defense no longer makes up for his horrid offensive output. The Wizards have to make a decision this season or risk losing out on his market value.
Coulibaly came off multiple subpar summer performances and an injury. However, that doesn’t justify his numbers. In around 27 minutes per game, Coulibaly is averaging 10.5 points, 2.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds.
Over his 22 games this season, Coulibaly is shooting, once again, his lowest marks in the NBA. Currently, he’s shooting 39.1% from the field and 25.9% from three. Those marks are the worst on the team outside of rostered players who are in-and-out of the G-League. Other teams have begun putting their centers on Coulibaly, knowing he’s not effective from outside the painted area.
Washington must come to terms with his ineffectiveness and do one of two things. Number one, trade him for assets, possibly bringing in a pick from the 2026 draft or another young piece. Number two is finding a more suitable role for him, pairing him with a offensive-minded lineup. What throws a slight wrinkle in a potential Coulibaly deal is Young’s game. Coulibaly will be able to help mask Young’s defensive weaknesses, possibly getting another saving grace to stay around in D.C a little longer.
The Last Word
At the end of the day, one player seems more out the door than the other. Whitmore, no doubt, is Washington’s next man out. Coulibaly is a possible piece in a blockbuster closer to the deadline. Both players have shown more regression, hurting their value over and over again. Will the Wizards decide to trade them? Time will tell, but the decision needs to be made sooner rather than later. Either way, expect the Wizards’ trade season to end no time soon.
© Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images