The Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks made a massive trade before last year's deadline that helped the latter reach the NBA Finals. The deal sent center Daniel Gafford from the Wizards to the Mavs in exchange for Richaun Holmes and future draft considerations.

In 26 games to start the 2024-25 season, the Wizards are 4-22. The team is 2-8 in their last 10 and is in last place in the Eastern Conference. Only one player averages 20+ points per game this season. It is SG Jordan Poole who averages (20.8) per game in 2024-25.

The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as early frontrunners, according to Bleacher Report, with LeBron James reportedly tying his potential return to the team's ability to add impact talent. Both head coach J.J. Redick and Anthony Davis have apparently endorsed the idea of adding another center of Valanciunas' caliber to the roster.