SUMMARY
- Recent reports from The Athletic suggest that the Washington Wizards are not demanding two first-round picks for Kyle Kuzma.
- The change in trade price has sparked interest among NBA fans, with speculation about potential destinations, including a return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 28-year-old forward Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards has been the target of trade rumors recently. Reports from The Athletic suggest that Kuzma’s trade value may not be as high as initially expected and the Wizards are not demanding two first-round picks for Kuzma.
If this report is true, several NBA teams will be interested in adding Kuzma as their power-forward upgrade. “League sources maintain Washington has been holding out for two first-round picks for Kuzma, though team sources indicate that is somewhat overblown. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle,” : David Aldridge and Josh Robbins wrote.
The Washington Wizards are not demanding two first-round picks for Kyle Kuzma, and the asking price may be lower, per @TheAthletic
“League sources maintain Washington has been holding out for two first-round picks for Kuzma, though team sources indicate that is somewhat… pic.twitter.com/AyzgGS58ip
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 31, 2024
This change in his trade price has sparked a lot of reactions among NBA fans, with many interested in seeing Kuzma return to his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. One fan commented, “Oh my God Pelinka bring him back home,” another commented, “Back to the Lakers.” One fan stated, “then that’s good, teams that want him will get him easily.”
As the trade deadline approaches, the Wizards are facing a difficult situation regarding Kuzma. In the coming days, it will become clear where Kuzma will continue his NBA career
How will Kyle Kuzma fit into the current Lakers team?
Kyle Kuzma’s potential return to the Lakers raises questions about his fit in the current lineup. With averages of 21.9 points and 4.4 assists per game this season, Kuzma has established himself as Washington’s most consistent offensive player.
However, his role with the Lakers would likely be different from his current role as a primary offensive option. With the Lakers, Kuzma could ease the burden on LeBron James and add depth to the frontcourt, though it is unlikely that he would return to the role he had as a corner spot-up shooter. His experience and improved skills, especially after the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship run, could provide a big boost to the team.
Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings are also potential fits for Kyle Kuzma
The Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings have come up as potential fits for Kuzma. The Kings have shown interest in Kuzma for some time, they nearly acquired him in 2021 before he was traded to Washington.
A trade involving Kings guard Kevin Huerter has been mentioned as a possible option, given Huerter’s positional adaptability and 38 percent career three-point shooting. This move would give Washington positional size at the two-guard spot and potentially more draft capital.
The Dallas Mavericks’ interest in Kuzma gives another interesting possibility. A trade with Dallas might involve veterans like Maxi Kleber or Richaun Holmes, neither of whom fits with Washington’s player development timeline. Such a deal could involve sending these players to a third team, with Washington getting the young players and/or draft picks.
