Wizards, Caps Make Moves to Bolster Roster

As most people looked towards the drafts and the future, the Wizards and Capitals made moves to make their teams better in the present.  On Wednesday, the Wizards traded the oft-injured Rashard Lewis and a second round draft pick to New Orleans for center Emeka Okafor and forward Trevor Ariza.  The Capitals, meanwhile, traded center Cody Eakin and a second round draft pick to Dallas for center Mike Ribeiro on Friday, prior to the draft.  Seems like Ted Leonsis might be a little tired of always looking toward the future.

It became clear by the end of the season that Lewis would not be a part of the Wizards’ future plans.  The veteran forward played only 28 games in 2011-2012, but was set to earn $23.7 million next season in the final year of his massive contract.  The Wizards could either pay  $13.7 million to buy him out, or try to dump him on somebody else.  Enter the Hornets.  With the number one overall pick, New Orleans is expected to bring in Anthony Davis, meaning that Okafor was suddenly expendable.  The Hornets needed to free up cap space and playing time for their new star, so they were willing to ship out two starters and take on Lewis’ contract.  The Hornets are expected to buy him out sometime in the next few weeks.  The Wizards, on the other hand, now have two big men in Nene and Okafor, a productive forward in Ariza, a budding star in John Wall, and the number three overall pick in which they can gain some perimeter shooting.  Suddenly, this team does not look so terrible.

Granted, the Wizards still have a long way to go.  They just obtained two starters from a team that won only one more game than the Wizards.  The addition of Okafor and Ariza does not suddenly make this a playoff team.  It will still be an uphill climb to reach the postseason, but the Wizards managed to add to their roster while dumping dead weight.  At the very least, this team is no longer a punch line.

Among all the failed Stanley Cup runs, the Capitals have had one blaring, consistent weakness; they have lacked a true second line center.  With Ribeiro, general manager George McPhee may finally have found his man.  In 2011-2012, Ribeiro had 18 goals and 45 assists in 74 games.  The talented set-up man finally gives the Caps some flexibility at center.  The position does not start and finish with Nicklas Backstrom anymore.  With 11 picks, the most of any team in the NHL, the Caps could afford to throw a pick into the mix.  I think with this return, it was well worth it.

The trade does come with risk, however.  At 32 years old, Ribeiro’s career is undeniably on the downhill.  While his stats have remained consistently high, I hope the transition to Washington will not precipitate a massive fall in production.  He also has only a year left on his contract.  He could potentially walk at the end of the season even if he does well.  I had hoped for a longer term solution at the position, but there is no reason why the Caps couldn’t sign him if he does fit in.

It was an exciting time for DC sports’ fans last week with two big trades.  Both teams pulled off great trades and are better for them.  The Wizards added two legitimate starters to their roster and the Caps may finally have added a vital piece to their championship hopes.  Anybody else excited for the fall?