The Los Angeles Lakers could have a chance to pull off a heist this summer by inquiring about a potential trade for Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly. On the surface, it doesn’t make much sense for Washington to part ways with its youngster, but considering all the factors involved, perhaps it could be worth it for them to sell high. Coulibaly's defense would fit beautifully next to Luka Doncic.
It wouldn’t be the first time the Wizards traded a promising young star earlier than people expected. They traded Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers out of nowhere in the summer of 2024. Could they do it again with Coulibaly this summer?
With everything going on in Washington, it could make more sense than people realize.
Lakers should call Wizards about Bilal Coulibaly
The Wizards have made some big-time moves this season. First, they traded for Trae Young, who they are going to have to extend. Then, they made a big swing move for Anthony Davis at the trade deadline.
Immediately, that’s two max contracts on their books, and considering how long both players have been in the league, the numbers are going to get very high on Washington’s cap sheet.
They’re inevitably going to fill out the roster at least a little bit this summer. Whether that’s adding veterans or taking a swing at some young talent, they’re going to spend some money.
Plus, they’re likely to add a relatively expensive contract in this year’s draft, as they are projected to have a top-five pick. That’s more expensive than people realize.
Add in the fact that, in a few years' time, they’re going to have to hand out big extensions to Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, and the Wizards’ roster is going to get expensive very quickly.
If they don’t view Coulibaly as a long-term piece, trading him now could be an interesting idea, since he’s still on his rookie contract.
If the Lakers wanted to throw some first-round draft capital at the Wizards, maybe they could get them to bite on a trade. As an elite defender, Coulibaly would fit beautifully alongside Doncic.
It seems more likely that the Wizards will pay Coulibaly and assess their financial problems down the road in a couple of years. But weirder things have happened. They traded Avdija out of nowhere. Why not Coulibaly?
At the very least, it could be worth it for the Lakers to give the Wizards a call and see where they stand on Couliably in the short-term.