The Washington Wizards are a team that many people keep an eye on when it comes to the trade market. They have struggled to find their footing thus far this season, sitting at 15-21 and 1.0 games out of the NBA Play-In Tournament. But there is enough talent on the team that a run, when healthy, isn’t out of the question.
Washington is the only team in the NBA with three players averaging 20+ points per game this season, led by Bradley Beal with 23.5 points and followed by Kristaps Porzingis with 21.9 and Kyle Kuzma with a career-high 21.6.
An argument can certainly be made for the Wizards to make a trade that upgrades the roster around those three players. Going that route could also quell some of the worries that this trio won’t be sticking together very long, as Kuzma’s future is up in the air.
Putting together a career season, it would not be surprising if Kuzma declined his player option for the 2023-24 season to test free agency.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards. Atlanta Hawks & Phoenix Suns Updates
Not only would he be seeking a raise in the form of a new, lucrative contract, but Kuzma would have his eyes on playing elsewhere. According to Marc Stein on his Substack, it sounds as if Kuzma isn’t long for Washington.
“Based on the rumbles I’ve heard, I struggle to envision Kuzma wanting to stay in the nation’s capital beyond this season.”
Kuzma has been involved in a bunch of trade rumors already this season, linked mostly to the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards. Atlanta Hawks & Phoenix Suns Updates
He would be a nice addition to the frontcourt rotations of both teams, but his opportunities would certainly shrink as each franchise already has an established pecking order he would be unlikely to rise above the third option.
If Kuzma is looking to maximize his earnings on a new contract, he should want to remain in Washington, where opportunities are plentiful. As a free agent, he could then pick a new franchise to play for while cashing in on a long-term contract.
