Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma needs to be traded. Kuzma, who arrived in Washington in 2021, has been largely serviceable for the Wizards. However, after having a rough start to the season, perhaps it’s time for Washington to strongly consider moving on.
Wizards’ Forward Kyle Kuzma Needs to be Traded
Kuzma’s Not So Hot Start to the Season
Kuzma is in his fourth season with the Wizards and was the leading scorer for the team last season. However, Kuzma has had a rocky start to kick off the 2024 campaign. Across the Wizards first two games against Boston and Cleveland, Kuzma shot 0-9 from three-point range and shot 28% from the field, respectively.
Yes, Kuzma improved the following game against the Hawks with a 25-point, 11 rebound, and seven assists performance, but he shot 40% from the field. The former Los Angeles Laker has struggled with shot selection and ball security (five turnovers against Atlanta). Overall, Kuzma hasn’t played like the veteran on a team that is brimmed with young talent.
Kuzma missed Washington’s last game against the Cavaliers due to a groin injury and he’s been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Miami. Overall, Kuzma is averaging 17 points and seven rebounds while shooting 32.7% from the field and 27.8% from three.
Kuzma’s Stock Won’t Get Any Higher
Kuzma is currently 29 years of age and in his eighth season in the NBA. It is safe to say Kuzma has reached his ceiling as a player. At best, Kuzma has been a solid fourth or fifth option on a championship team (2020 Lakers). In Washington, Kuzma has proven to be pretty much a big fish in a small pond. Washington is in the midst of a deep rebuild and they recently drafted No. 2 pick Alex Sarr, who is the Wizards highest draft pick since 2010.
The 2017 draft pick can be useful on a championship-contending team in desperate need of depth on its bench. In fact, Kuzma has been in heavy trade talks since last season, but he did vocally convey that he wanted to say in D.C. The Wizards have their young core in Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and Bilal Coulibaly. So why shouldn’t the Wizards get solid value from Kuzma while his value is still this high? Kuzma simply doesn’t fit in Washington’s timeline at this point.
The Last Word
Since Kuzma is having a rough start to the season and experiencing injury this early on, general manager Will Dawkins should start sending out feelers for the 2020 NBA champion. Kuzma is a solid wing with a well-rounded skillset and good positional size. However, the Wizards’ current rebuild shouldn’t include Kuzma under head coach Brian Keefe. Keefe is aiming to develop the young core on the roster, and Kuzma’s presence is no longer needed. As the season goes on, Kuzma’s play will likely improve, meaning his value will increase making a trade logical.
Teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and even a return to the Lakers would make sense to grab Kuzma. Kuzma is still a player with a lot to offer, but his offerings are no longer needed in the District.
