Inside The Wizards

Rockets Rising Star Named Wizards Trade Target

The Washington Wizards could make a trade with the Houston Rockets.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the fourth quarter in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the fourth quarter in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are in desperate need of talent, and they need to look long and hard around the league for it.

Bleacher Report writer Greg Swartz believes that Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. would make sense for the Wizards.

Smith Jr., the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is a part of the Rockets foundation, but he isn't viewed as important as some of his fellow teammates. With the Rockets also thrown around in trade rumors for stars, the team may not be able to re-sign Smith when he becomes a free agent in 2026.

That's why the Wizards could come in and scoop him up, if they were willing to throw in a draft pick or two for his services.

Smith could slot in as the team's power forward next to Alex Sarr in the frontcourt and be a massive help towards the Wizards' league-worst defense. His 6-10 frame and ability to guard 1-5 is rare to find in today's NBA, and he has just that.

All of the reasons why the Wizards should trade for Smith are the same reasons why the Rockets should keep him.

While Houston has already committed long-term money to Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, Smith is still a top priority for the Rockets and their future plans. Houston has the No. 2 defensive rating in the NBA thanks to Smith's efforts. While he may not be the best player for the Rockets, he is an important piece for them if they want to compete for a championship.

That's why the Wizards need to pounce if there was ever a time when the Rockets were ready to move on from Smith.

The Wizards are back in action on tomorrow when they take on the Charlotte Hornets at home.

Make sure you bookmark Washington Wizards on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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