The Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls need young wings, so a potential trade could include Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzman.
According to Heavy Sports, an unnamed Western Conference executive believes Wizards GM Tommy Shepard would be more than willing to deal with Kuzman. Of course, the price must be right.
They have to cut some salary but obviously they want to do that and they’re adding someone to the mix. While the bulls don’t want to mess with the luxury tax, they’ve re-entered the market on the spot, so there’s a chance.
A few NBA betting sites are giving the Wizards the 10th-lowest odds to win the championship in 2023. Can they qualify for the postseason with Bradley Beal? Most sportsbooks are expecting a playoff for the Nets.
Today we got Cuz on the mic at training camp 🎙#DCA above all | @MedStarHealth pic.twitter.com/WJ97FaEQe8
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) September 24, 2022
“But that could be Kobe White’s destination,” continued the NBA executive. “Dallas is trying to get better players across the board. They could give up an unprotected pick for him and match his salary.”
Kuzma will make $13 million this season. He also has a $13 million player option for the 2023-24 season. The Wings have until June 29, 2023 to exercise this option. Otherwise, the 2020 NBA Championship will hit the open market next summer.
“Kyle is still young. [27] And that has appeal to a team like Dallas. And Brooklyn, I don’t think they’re done. They love their young men but let’s face it, time is short for this team and they need to win now.
“Cam Thomas or Dey’Ron Sharp, someone like that would appeal to the Wizards.”
Will the Nets, Mavericks or Bulls trade for Wizards forward Kyle Kuzama in the 2022-23 season?
Last August, Kuzma was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Wizards, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montreal Harrell. In return, the Lakers received Russell Westbrook, a 2023 second-round draft pick, a 2024 second-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round draft pick.
Now, Caldwell-Pope has signed with the Denver Nuggets. And Harrell is with the Philadelphia 76ers. If the Bulls trade for Kuzma, Sheppard will likely ask for Coby White and Derrick Jones Jr. Assuming a trade is made, these contenders could also attach a future second-round draft pick.
As for the nets, he’ll probably leave GM Mark Thomas. Switching Seth Curry to Kuzma is another option. However, such a trade would not benefit Washington.
In the 2021-22 season, in 66 starts, Kuzma averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest. He also shot 45.2% from the floor and 34.1% from downtown.
Meanwhile, in 64 games last season, Curry averaged 15 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. The Nets guard was more accurate with his jump shot, shooting 48.7% from the field and 42.2% from 3-point range.
However, Shepard may be better off keeping Kuzman unless he gets Keary, Sharp and Thomas. And the same can be said about Mavericks. A hypothetical trade package would include Dwight Powell and several second-round draft picks.
The Wizards have more than enough forwards. But disadvantages are an important thing that every general manager should consider. In order for Washington to make the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, roster depth is essential.
