Lakers: Predicting which former Lakers get traded from the Wizards

Montrezl Harrell: Not traded

Montrezl Harrell is in an interesting situation in which he can raise his value in the NBA. Harrell was the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2020 and it appeared as if he was on his way to a decent payday.

However, the defensive concerns that were highlighted in the playoffs led to him only being worth a Mid-Level Exception contract from the Lakers. He did nothing to really increase his value last season, opting into the final year of his deal as a prove-it year.

Harrell is going to get a better chance to prove it on Washington and won’t have the bright lights of the playoffs to potentially shine too bright on his defensive miscues. In theory, he should be playing better this season, which would increase his trade value.

While Washington would be better off trading half a season of Harrell for an asset, I just do not see there being a suitor. Harrell’s defense is still a concern and he does not fit the modern NBA. He is an undersized center who makes a living near the rim, cannot space the floor and is a bad defender.

He is not what a modern-day NBA team wants out of a role player.

I cannot see there being any offers that will woo the Wizards, who instead will likely look to simply hold onto Harrell as the team will likely be making a playoff push with the play-in tournament still being implemented.