Brooklyn Nets power forward Thaddeus Young is the subject of recent trade rumors linking him to the Washington Wizards as the capital city franchise is reportedly looking to upgrade the offensive contributions of their frontcourt lineup.

Young is the only bright spot in the Nets' miserable 3-12 season, averaging 15.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in almost 31 minutes per game. He started all 14 games so far for Lionel Hollins as the 62-year-old coach is said to be impressed by what he is seeing from the eight-year veteran, ESPN reports.

Like Us on Facebook

However, Bleacher Report's Dan Favale suggested that Young may be the Nets' best "trade bait" at the moment if the franchise really wants to rebuild and get ready for the future.

Brooklyn basically has no draft picks left in their possession until 2019 because of the past acquisitions of Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett, all of whom are in different teams right now except for Johnson.

The Nets had been trying to deal Johnson since last season's trade deadline, but his humongous $24.9 million salary has made it difficult for them to find a team that would be willing to negotiate even if his contract is already expiring.

Favale noted that trading Young now would make the team "plunge down the standings" short-term, but it would benefit them in the long run if they "amass some picks of their own" from dealing the 27-year-old.

Of course, they should not expect high first-round draft picks to come their way in exchange for Young, but they should be happy to gain even one "low-level first-rounder" for the former Georgia Tech standout.

RantSports' Timothy Downs recommended a potential deal with Washington as the Wizards are said to be short on scoring big men that could ease the offensive pressure "off of John Wall and Bradley Beal in the backcourt".

Currently, head coach Randy Wittman has Marcin Gortat and Kris Humphries in his starting lineup while their main backups are Nene and Drew Gooden.

All four frontliners are not known to be efficient offensively, except perhaps Nene, but still the Brazilian is not the supplement that Wittman is looking for, which is why he is relegated to the bench.

Downs said that Young in exchange for "Humphries and some picks" could be possible.

TagsNBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, Brooklyn Nets rumors, Washington Wizards rumors, thaddeus young