This NBA offseason the Washington Wizards made a trade with the Denver Nuggets that many people thought would help balance out their roster. They traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith in exchange for Monte Morris and Will Barton.
In search of help at the point guard position and ball-handlers, this trade was looked at as a positive for both teams. But, more than halfway through the regular season, it has become pretty clear that this is a trade the Wizards have lost.
Caldwell-Pope is thriving in a 3-and-D role with the Nuggets, averaging 11.5 points per game while knocking down and eye-popping 46.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. Morris is having a solid season averaging 10.4 points and 5.3 assists per game, but Barton has really struggled.
The 10-year veteran is having the least productive season of his career since he became a rotation regular during the 2015-16 season. He is averaging only 7.5 points per game and has struggled to get going, making only 37.9 percent of his shot attempts. But, he has still found success from long-range, making 37.4 percent of his attempts from 3-point range.
That is likely why Barton is still drawing interest from Eastern Conference contenders despite his struggles overall this season. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks could both pursue a trade for the veteran wing.
Barton has played in only three out of the team’s last 10 games, essentially being removed from the rotation. He has played double-digit minutes in only two out of the last 17 games as his role has diminished as the season has moved along and the Wizards have gotten healthier.
A change of scenery would likely do Barton some good and playing for a contending team could rejuvenate his production. Acquiring him likely won’t cost too much as the Wizards don’t currently have a role for him on the court. Barton is also on an expiring contract, which will make him that much easier to move in a trade.
More must-reads: