The Washington Wizards drafted Walter Clayton Jr with the 18th pick in the draft. However, before the selection, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Washington will be trading Clayton to the Utah Jazz. Charania added it was for the 21st and 43rd picks in the draft, plus a 2031 and 2032 second-round pick. With Washington drafting Tre Johnson, with the sixth pick Clayton wouldn’t make much sense. However, trading down for more assets and a high-upside wing does.
Wizards Land High Upside Wing With Creative Draft Day Trade
Washington Wizards Perspective
The Wizards used the 21st pick to draft Will Riley, a forward from the University of Illinois. The Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year averaged 12.6 points, 2.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 35 games for the Fighting Illini. He’ll no doubt be a project player for the Wizards, with hopes of becoming a more consistent scorer behind Bilal Coulibaly.
Riley will join Johnson as another offensive-minded draftee, with hopes of developing into a better defensive player down the line. However, Riley will provide a decent scoring ability off the bench with a pass-first guard in Bub Carrington headlining the second unit. Riley’s offesnive skill set and high upside makes him a clear fit the Wizards young core.
The second round of the draft will be conducted on Thursday. With the Wizards drafting Riley and Johnson, they could go a few different routes. Another guard, most likely a pass-first point guard, or a big behind Alex Sarr would be good options.
Utah Jazz Perspective
Clayton will be a nice addition to the Jazz’s backcourt. This draft is considered a top-heavy draft, so giving up later picks in exchange for player like Clayton may be looked at as a win-win. Clayton will join new teammate Ace Bailey in the beginning stages of Utah’s true rebuild.
Clayton is one of the more decorated players in this year’s draft. He won the championship with Florida this season, but he won multiple awards during his time in Iona. Clayton averaged 18.3 points, 4.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds this season for the Gators on their way to the title. While he wasn’t overly impressive in the title game, he had four games in the tournament with 20+ points, with two of those being 30 bombs.
Clayton will add consistent scoring to a backcourt that has seemed weak in Utah. While young, the Jazz backcourt lacks true direction, with Collin Sexton leading the charge. However, with three guards being drafted in each of the last three seasons, hopefully, in due time, they will mesh and build some true cohesiveness with one another.
The Last Word
Both teams finished in the bottom of their respective conferences this season. However, the Wizards look to competing in the next few years, while the Jazz are in the beginning phases of a long overdue rebuild. In time, both teams will use the players selected to help push for true contention. The Wizards may be closer, but the Jazz have the assets to move quicker. Either way, don’t look for this trade to have a significant impact next season.
Featured image: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The post Wizards Land High Upside Wing With Creative Draft Day Trade appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.