2022 NBA Draft blockbuster trade Knicks should make with Wizards

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 18: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks is guarded by Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards during the second half of the game at Madison Square Garden on March 18, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

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Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports) /

Why the Wizards should make this trade

The Wizards should make this trade because the team is looking to create the foundations of a contender in the Eastern Conference. When healthy, the Beal and Porzingis tandem will be a handful for opposing defenses to handle.

Kuzma showed improvement this year, and it’s fair to believe the team may ride with him as their third option next season. What he hasn’t proven, though, and what Randle has, is the consistency to become an All-Star.

Randle’s “down” year still showcased double-double averages and he remained New York’s best player on several nights despite fan interpretation believing otherwise. With Randle seemingly on the outs with the fanbase, and with Obi Toppin’s dominant final month of the season, a change of scenery may be exactly what Randle needs.

In Washington, Randle would get the opportunity to go from the first option to the third option on many nights. Taking away the necessity to use Randle as the focal point of an offense may actually allow him to play more to his strengths and prevent him from being placed in so many ball handler isolation situations.

The Wizards would have assembled an All-Star Big Three and may expedite the process to becoming a relevant playoff team once again while maintaining a similar draft position.

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