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Trading Wilson is probably less about return and money, and more about class and decency.
Wilson agreed to wave his option and signed with Z for less money per year (although more overall.)  He was asked to move to second base this year, not to make the team better, but to make him expendable.  He accepted his assignment knowing full well he was stepping into a hangman's noose, and for the most part, he's handled it like a  pro.  Can you imagine how Figgins would have reacted in a similar situation?  Maybe we'll find out next year.  :)
From what I can tell, he's a heckuva nice guy and probably liked by his teammates.
Wilson has done everything the team has asked of him (aside from staying healthy and being productive, *ahem*), he's been a good citizen, and as a reward, Jacky Z is trying to give him an exit with a bit of grace.
And from what we learned when Bret Boone was traded, teammates appreciate it when the team goes out of its way to handle a well like teammate with dignity.  So maybe it's a smart move for the clubhouse too.
Of course, you don't drag it out to the trade deadline.  But if sparing a guy's ego while retaining the respect of your current players (and hopefully catching the eye of future players) only costs you a couple of extra weeks, it's probably an acceptable price to pay.