Wizards executives are shopping star Kyle Kuzma around the league after trade talks raged throughout the season. The Washington Wizards are reportedly putting Kuzma on the trading block going into their vital off-season. Kuzma, averaging north of 22 points per game, is a trade target for many contenders around the league.
Kyle Kuzma Reportedly On Trading Block
Yahoo! Sports insider Jake Fischer reported that Washington will shop Kuzma around the league, according to well-placed sources inside the league. Washington’s asking price ahead of the midseason trade deadline was pretty staggering, as they wanted several draft picks, young players, and more in exchange for the 28-year-old wing.
“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,” the reporter wrote.
For Washington, a trade this offseason will be vital as they look to embrace their young core. Despite finishing with the second-worst record in the league, Washington is in the bottom half of the league for projected cap space. They have to prioritize getting draft picks and developing their young players. Behind tenured vets like Kuzma, and Jordan Poole, the Wizards’ lottery pick, Bilal Coulibaly, did not get a lot of playing time. Young forwards such as Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert should also be given larger roles.
Although Kuzma can officially hit free agency in 2027, his declining contract size and attractive playstyle make it easy to package him with potential deals. He’s an advanced wing who can wreak havoc on offense, while his six-foot-nine frame and agility allow him to guard a variety of positions. With the new media rights deal Kuzma’s contract size could be dwindling to the value of a mid-level exception.
Who’s Interested?
Kuzma averages 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 46/34/78 shooting splits. The Utah alum was the main force in DC and did virtually everything on both sides of the ball. He is open to staying for the Wizards’ rebuild, as he would guide young prospects and serve as a leader. However, it’s more than likely that Kuzma will see himself on another team.
Teams like the Sixers, the Mavs, and the Kings are all monitoring Kuzma’s situation in DC. All have mid-first-round picks in either this year’s draft or in the next one, and all are willing to trade away a role player in exchange for Kuzma and his capital. The Mavs were close to trading for Kuzma in February. Dallas offered a trade of Grant Williams and an unprotected first-round pick for Kuzma. But Kuzma reportedly declined at the last moment.
“The Wizards did have an option to trade Kyle Kuzma at the deadline to the Mavericks for Grant Williams and an unprotected first round pick…Kyle Kuzma decided to stay loyal, he wanted to remain and stick it out with the Wizards.”@ShamsCharania on Kyle Kuzma and the Washington… pic.twitter.com/48zvU50qfw
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 5, 2024
Dallas shipped Williams to Charlotte in exchange for PJ Washington. He has been crucial to Dallas’ playoff run this year. Still, the Sixers, Kings, Heat, Lakers, and more are similarly interested. If we see a trade for Kuzma after the draft, expect it to include a role player and picks for the future.
