Heading into the 2024 NBA offseason, it was clear the Washington Wizards were in the early stages of a rebuild. That became even more apparent during the 2024 NBA Draft when they traded Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers. Could Kyle Kuzma be next?
It was a trade that surprised a lot of people as Avdija showed signs of improvement during the 2023-24 season. Already locked into an affordable deal, he seemed like a piece the Washington Wizards would want for their long-term core.
Another player who likely won’t be part of the team’s long-term plans is forward Kyle Kuzma. He re-signed with the team last offseason, agreeing to a four-year, $90 million contract. Only one year into that deal and the Washington Wizards are shopping him.
It does make sense on Washington’s part. With the lack of teams in the NBA with cap space this summer and the overall dearth of depth in the free agent pool, teams are going the trade route to upgrade their roster.
With no plans of contending soon, the Wizards are an ideal trade partner for a contending team seeking an upgrade. However, it will not be cheap to acquire Kyle Kuzma in a trade, per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.
“Given the recent trades of Mikal Bridges and Dejounte Murray, it would likely take multiple first-round picks for the Wizards to consider trading Kuzma, league sources told HoopsHype.
The Sacramento Kings are among several teams that have called with trade interest to acquire Kuzma,” Scotto wrote.
At first glance, multiple first-round picks seem like a steep asking price. But, there is a lot to like about what Kyle Kuzma brings to the court. Not only does he have championship experience from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, he is still improving his game.
As Scotto pointed out, the Utah product is coming off the most efficient offensive season of his career. He recorded career-highs in points (22.2), assists (4.2), field goal percentage (46.3) and free throw percentage (77.5).
His defense leaves something to be desired, but that could be a product of his environment. Playing on a better team with less burden to carry the offense could lead to improved effort and performance defensively.
The Sacramento Kings being a potential suitor should come as no surprise. They believed they were acquiring Kyle Kuzma in the 2021 NBA offseason before the Lakers pivoted to a deal to acquire Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards.
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