With the NBA trade deadline inching closer, the Washington Wizards were linked to a pair of superstars in potential trade deals this week
It's that time of year when rumors and speculation grow by the day with the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 5 inching closer.
While veteran Khris Middleton has been a continued deadline target, whether it be via trade or buyout, the Washington Wizards were linked to two marquee names, but do they even fit in DC?
The Athletic reported that Zion Williamson is a possible trade target for the Wizards ahead of the deadline, though was cautioned as "an extreme long shot" with the report including that it would be Washington who would need to give up a draft pick in order to facilitate a move. While Washington has a top-eight protected pick, the report pointed to the least favorable pick of the Houston Rockets', LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder's 2026 first-round picks, which would reportedly be enough to make a move possible.
Williamson averages a team-high 22.5 points in 22 starts and 29 appearances after battling both hamstring and adductor injuries at the start of the season, but speculation about a potential divorce have grown louder through the 2025-26, partly due to the emergence of Rookie of the Year candidate Derik Queen in the frontcourt.
But maybe the more surprising move is the link to New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns with conflicting reports about just how available the big man would be ahead of the deadline. NBC's Chris Mannix reported earlier this week that a Towns trade is unlikely, but other reports have pointed to the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets as teams who have discussed a potential trade surrounding the former Timberwolves star. Still Clutch Points pointed the Wizards as one of the seven best fits with Washington ranked third.
"Another All-Star addition would fast-track their rebuild," Baily Bassett of Clutch Points wrote.
But would Towns be a fit with Alex Sarr, who has assembled one of the more impressive developments among his draft class this season. In his second season with the Knicks, Towns is averaging a double-double with 21 points and 11.6 rebounds on a career-low 46.7% shooting from the field.
While the Wizards would undoubtedly benefit from star power from either reported candidate, it poses a question whether either fit the plan led by general manager Will Dawkins.
Williamson is also in year three of his five-year, $197.2 million contract, while Towns on year two of a four-year, $220 million contract. Add in Trae Young's looming player option with a contract extension at least on the table, a move on either Williamson or Towns could signal the final piece in a potential rebuild.
Of course, the duo become the latest to be connected to the Wizards through the rumor mill this season with Golden State's Jonathan Kuminga among the others linked at various points through the season despite the focus on retaining the top-eight protected first round pick in what's expected to be a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
Washington, now standing 10-32 overall, return to action on Thursday to host the Denver Nuggets for a 7 PM tipoff.