The Washington Wizard continues to improve the offseason, this time running another deal for Cam Whitmore.
The Houston Rockets player was traded for the Washington Wizard in exchange for the second pick.
He was selected 20th overall by the Rockets in the 2023 NBA Draft amid interest from multiple teams, including the La Lakers.
However, Whitmore did not get regular playing time in Houston under coach Ime Udoka, who has only featured 51 times in the 2024-25 season.
The Rockets reached the playoffs, but Whitmore was given just seven minutes in a series with the Golden State Warriors.
Udoka revealed that he hopes for consistency and outlined his expectations from Whitmore.
However, the 21-year-old wants a bigger role, and the trade to the wizard would certainly give him that.
Whitmore was one of the most athletic talents in his draft class, and fans have always requested that he see many of him in court.
However, Udoka’s arrival meant that the Rocket had become a much more disciplined style of play, which made Whitmore difficult to play.
Additionally, Whitmore’s talented players are traded for two second picks.
One user tweeted on X: “Did you have anything amazing?”
Another said, “It was a wizard’s steal.”
Another addition: “Whitmore will light with the wizard.”
Lakers fans also expressed disappointment that the team has not made an offer to Whitmore.
One said: “The Lakers would have had to give up Gabe just to start two first: Reaves, Rui and Gabe.”
Another said: “Rob couldn’t give up on two round picks.”
Whitmore was expected to be one of the best players in the 2023 draft as he proved his brilliance in the summer league and earned MVP honors.
His athleticism was expected to help him become a key part of the younger Rockets’ core, but coach Udoka didn’t give him enough.
This was expected to be in his mind when he approached free agency, but as a restricted free agent there was little to control Whitmore.
However, this move towards the wizard was the best for him as it was a team that could give him the minutes he wanted.
The roster is beginning to become great with players like Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart and CJ McCollum.
These veterans can contribute to the team, but the younger cores of Whitmore, Tre Johnson, Alex Searle and Bilal Coulively are also exciting.
These moves, which ended at the bottom of last season’s standings, are encouraging to get a better finish next year.
Whitmore is electricity and his addition is expected to give the Wizard a boost that makes him a fun team to watch them.