The Washington Wizards landed their veteran starting point guard plus more via trade. Washington is finalizing a deal to acquire Monte Morris along with Will Barton from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Besides locking up three-time All-Star Bradley Beal in a long-term deal, point guard was the highest priority for the Wizards. The Nuggets made Morris and Barton available, putting both on Washington’s target list.
Morris, 27, played five seasons with the Nuggets. He is coming off his best season yet, in which averaged career highs of 12.6 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 75 games. He shot 48.4% from the field, including a career-best 39.5% from three.
Barton, 31, is a native of nearby Baltimore, Md. He’s spent the past eight seasons with the Nuggets. Last season, Barton averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 games. He’s averaged double-digit points each season with Denver.
Morris is expected to start at point guard alongside Beal. He started 74 games last season in the absence of the injured Jamal Murray. However, Morris wasn’t the primary ball handler. He yielded those duties to two-time NBA MVP center Nikola Jokic.
In Washington, he’ll get to run and initiate the offense more often. Meanwhile, Barton gives the Wizards a two-way wing that not only can shoot but has the ability to handle the ball, create his own shot as well as for others.
Morris and Barton are solid shooters. The Wizards wanted to address defense and shooting this offseason. Thus far, their acquisitions fit the build; first with first-round draft pick Johnny Davis and now the two pickups in the trade with the Nuggets.
Morris is a career 39.4% shooter from three. Barton shots 35.4% for his career.
Their additions come at a price for the Wizards. They’re sending Caldwell-Pope with Smith to Denver. Caldwell-Pope was Washington’s most consistent shooter last season. But, the addition of 2021 first-round pick Corey Kispert will likely offset the loss.
Smith is a journeyman. He has played on 12 different NBA teams, including two stints with the Wizards. Washington viewed him as a backup. thus moving him to Denver to land Morris and Barton was a huge move.
Does Monte Morris move the needle? That’s debatable. But, the increased usage along with the potential of playing with Beal, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis will surely give him an opportunity to blossom.
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