Kyle Kuzma has earned his shot to play on a contending roster

The Washington Wizards have been a beacon of dysfunction for the best part of a decade, never good enough to contend in the Eastern Conference but not bad enough to consistently earn a shot at a top draft pick. They've floated along aimlessly, that is until the summer of 2023 when they moved on from Bradley Beal and began their rebuild.

Kyle Kuzma is in his fourth season with the Wizards. Since joining the franchise, he's emerged as a reliable starting forward. He's not a star, but he's also too talented to be considered a bench player. Simply put, Kuzma is a complementary talent that would thrive when plugged into a rotation that boasts a couple of star players.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Kuzma could find himself changing teams ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. He's long been viewed as Washington's best trade piece, and given its youth movement, it would make sense for the Wizards to cash in. 

"Several contending teams are expected to pursue Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, sources said," Charania wrote. "Kuzma, a proven NBA champion on the 2020 Lakers, is in the second season of a four-year, $100M deal."

After spending multiple years in Washington, Kuzma has earned the opportunity to compete for a championship. He's been a pillar of professionalism for the franchise and has always given his all, despite the team's clear limitations. Contending teams will value his commitment and the consistency he brings to the court. 

Kuzma's 3-and-D skill set makes him a logical fit for most high-level teams in the NBA. If there's a roster out there that can find a role for him, either as a starter or an elite sixth-man, he should quickly begin to thrive in his new surroundings. 

Whether the Wizards are finally ready to let one of their most reliable veterans go remains to be seen. But if they want to maximize their return for Kuzma, now would be a good time because he's not getting any younger.