NBA Rumors: Washington Wizards Could Trade Kyle Kuzma

The Washington Wizards are a rebuilding roster that needs moves to commit to the future. Players like Kyle Kuzma, who are close to turning 30 years old and have a high usage need to be sent to winning situations so the youngsters can thrive. As a result, Jake Fischer reports that the Wizards are considering trading Kuzma away this summer.

"Kyle Kuzma will be another advanced wing player on the trade market, although Washington’s asking price for the veteran scorer prior to February’s trade deadline was too rich for most rival teams."

Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on one of the worst teams in the NBA. Teams around the league know Kuzma can be a sensational third piece on a winning team due to his performances with the Lakers in 2020. Even if his offense can be inconsistent, Kuzma is a high-effort defender and rebounder. Contending teams all over the NBA need a player like him.

The Wizards have young wings coming through their roster who need to be featured heavily. Deni Avdija has shown he can be a high-level contributor for the Wizards while the team will also want to give Bilal Coulibaly more opportunities. They have the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which could see more talented wings like Matas Buzelis or Zaccharie Risascher join the franchise.

Kuzma can provide something to a winning team if he gets the right opportunity, but his success will also depend on his mindset, which could be a major issue for teams looking to acquire him.

Kyle Kuzma Declined A Trade To The Dallas Mavericks In February 2024

Kyle Kuzma was about to be a Dallas Maverick at the trade deadline but declined the trade to a winning situation. While the Mavericks dodged a bullet and got P.J. Washington instead, Kuzma made bizarre comments about why he didn't want to be moved to a team with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

"In my career, I won a championship. So, I understand that when we play this game of basketball it’s not about contending for a playoff spot. It’s about contending for an NBA championship. There’s only like three or four contenders — true contenders. I just felt like our timelines didn’t line up.”

This answer raised many red flags around the NBA. Kuzma is on a worse team that's even younger, so disputing contention timelines is an asinine comment. In addition, the Mavericks are currently three wins away from the NBA Finals, so Kuzma's reasons look even more shallow with hindsight. 

Nobody had even reported the alleged completed deal between the Mavs and Wizards over Kuzma until the forward decided to give The Athletic an exclusive to talk about it. 

He's a former champion who enjoys being the No. 1 option on a bad team. His long-term contract is secured, he's treated as the team's primary star, and his overall defensive effort has reduced. He's in a comfortable position in Washington, but GM Michael Winger likely won't ask him to approve a possible trade again.

Teams like the Lakers should be heavily invested in this, as Kuzma might be the ideal forward for their roster given his familiarity with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, along with his affinity for the city and offensive development since his departure in 2021.