How This Trade Impacts Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards acquired Kyle Kuzma from the Los Angeles Lakers in the trade that sent Russell Westbrook out west. Kuzma is expected to be a part of the team’s rotation, but they could look to cash in again, flipping him for more assets.

The Wizards’ current roster is overloaded at the power forward spot. Davis Bertans, Rui Hachimura and Deni Avdija will all be vying for playing time there. If the team wants to clear that log jam a bit, this trade with the Suns makes sense.

They would be getting Jalen Smith back, who was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The Suns selected him knowing he would be a bit of a developmental project, but their timeline was advanced with how well they played last season.

Because of that, they do not have the time or reps to develop Smith. A team that may be able to exhibit more patience with him, such as the Wizards, would represent a good landing spot for him.

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Dario Saric is likely to miss the entire 2021-22 season but has shown he can be a serviceable frontcourt player when healthy. He could become another solid bargaining chip for Washington next offseason when he is on an expiring contract.

The 2024 first-round pick is an excellent asset for the Wizards to have. It gives them another bargaining chip to sweeten a trade package should they look to continue bolstering the roster around Bradley Beal. If plans change and Beal leaves, they then have another draft pick to restock the roster with.

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This trade would be a good one for the Wizards, as it would improve their long-term outlook even if it slightly dampens their present one as Kuzma is a better player right now than Smith is.