Wizards Trade Watch: Justin Champagnie’s Future in D.C. Looking Uncertain as Deadline Approaches
As the NBA trade season heats up, the Washington Wizards find themselves in a familiar position - near the bottom of the standings and firmly in the conversation for potential midseason moves. With another rough start to the regular season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Washington is more likely to shake up its roster than stay the course heading into February’s trade deadline.
The big-money veteran names - think CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton - naturally draw attention in these talks. But moving players with sizable contracts and declining production isn’t exactly a plug-and-play scenario. The Wizards could be staring down a tough reality: either ride out the season with those vets or consider buyouts if the market doesn’t materialize.
But the Wizards’ trade conversations don’t end with the veterans. There are a few younger, more flexible pieces on the roster who could be on the move - and one name that’s starting to stand out is Justin Champagnie.
Champagnie’s Role Shrinking in a Crowded Rotation
Champagnie signed a standard deal with Washington this past offseason after showing flashes during his time with the team last year. He came in as a developmental piece with upside - young, athletic, and capable of providing scoring pop off the bench. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, he looked like the kind of low-risk, high-reward player worth investing in.
But fast forward to the present, and that narrative is starting to shift.
Champagnie has struggled with consistency to start the season, and that’s a tough pill to swallow on a team that’s already leaning heavily into youth development. With the arrivals of Cam Whitmore and Will Riley, plus the emergence of Kyshawn George, the competition for minutes on the wing has only intensified. And right now, Champagnie’s not winning that battle.
When he has seen the floor, the results haven’t helped his case. Take Sunday’s game against the Spurs - a prime opportunity for him to make a statement in the starting lineup.
Instead, he finished with just 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 21 minutes. Not disastrous, but far from the kind of performance that demands more playing time.
The Trade Deadline Looms
All of this adds up to a player who may be on the outside looking in as the Wizards evaluate their roster ahead of the deadline. Champagnie’s age and potential could still appeal to teams looking to add depth or take a flyer on a young wing. And for Washington, clearing the path for their other young players might be the priority.
If a team comes calling, don’t expect the Wizards to hesitate. They’re clearly in asset-accumulation mode, and Champagnie - despite his flashes - hasn’t solidified himself as a long-term piece. That doesn’t mean he’s done in the league, but it might mean his time in D.C. is nearing its end.
As February approaches, the Wizards will have decisions to make - and Champagnie could be one of the first dominos to fall.