4. Washington Wizards
After what they showed last season, many people around the NBA were expecting big things from the Washington Wizards. They were one of the few teams in the Eastern Conference that seemed capable of competing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, that’s been far from how things have played out and they could very well be looking to shake things up before the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline.
A big reason for the Wizards’ disappointing season to this point in the year has been that they’ve really gotten away from the defensive-minded approach that they were so successful with last season. Acquiring a player like Hibbert to put in their frontcourt alongside Marcin Gortat or in relief of Gortat would help push them back in that direction and force Randy Whitman (at least assumedly) towards not continuing to unsuccessfully push the pace.
The most sensible deal between the Lakers and Wizards would be a one-for-one swap with Hibbert and Nene being involved with some picks perhaps being involved. Nene would be a player who would free up cap space for the Lakers this summer still while Hibbert would help shake things up in Washington. Both things are necessary for both teams, which makes this trade sensible in the end.
Next: No. 3 Timberwolves