The Washington Wizards have traded a future second-round pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for small forward Jared Dudley, whom had just opted into his $4.25 million player option a day before free agency started. He averaged 7.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 38 percent from three last season. This deal works for Washington because they still have room to sign a free agent to mid-level exception contract. 

This move makes sense for the Wizards after losing Paul Pierce to the Los Angeles Clippers. Dudley can step right in and provide depth behind Otto Porter, who is expected to take on the starting role this upcoming season. The nine-year veteran out of Boston College is a proven three-point shooter, another weakness the Wizards had to address this off-season.

He has played for four teams throughout his nine-year career including the Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee. For his career, Dudley is a 39.6 percent shooter from deep.

The Wizards will see immediate impact from this move. Whether he gets time with John Wall or Ramon Sessions, Dudley demands the respect of opposing defenses to contest his outside shot. Now he won't be as much of an impact as Pierce was in the locker room, but Dudley is a seasoned professional who can help the younger players such as Porter and Kelly Oubre Jr. improve on and off the floor. 

The acquisition of Dudley brings into question whether or not the Wizards will bring back Rasual Butler, who is a free agent. Both are very similar players, but Dudley has more experience in playing in big time games, which he can expect to do next season as well.

The Wizards' first priority is still to address the absence of a stretch four, and it will be interesting to see if they address it in free agency or via trade.

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About the author
Colby Giacubeno
Former college basketball player who is an journalist. Cover the Washington Wizards but also all NBA topics. College basketball and the NBA Draft is also a big area of interest.