The Washington Wizards are a team to watch ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Kyle Kuzma is playing the best basketball of his career during the final year of his contract. With his future in the nation’s capitol being unclear, there is a logical scenario where he gets traded to a team that will sign a contract this offseason.
The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 42 games this season. He’s continued to take his game to new heights since leaving the shadow of LeBron James on his way out from the Los Angeles Lakers in part of the Russell Westbrook trade.
The Indiana Pacers are among the NBA teams that stand out as a logical trade destination for Kuzma ahead of the midseason deadline. They have the financial flexibility to work with along with extra picks in the 2023 NBA Draft to work with when negotiating a trade with the Wizards.
The Pacers entered the season promising Jalen Smith the starting power forward role. While he has shown flashes of making a helpful impact, he’s still shooting just 27.5 percent from 3-point range on the season. There is a need to find a more consistent and dynamic shooting option to fill that role. Kuzma would bring far more than just that though.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Indiana Pacers & Washington Wizards Updates
When asked about Kuzma’s potential fit with the Pacers, one NBA scout explained to NBA Analysis Network how it would be a great match. Adding a player with Kuzma’s skill set would enhance what Tyrese Haliburton brings as the franchise’s centerpiece by adding another threat that can build on his passing ability.
“Tyrese Haliburton is obviously a great passer, and the best way to get the most out of his talent is to surround him with threats that can score in various ways,” the scout told NBA Analysis Network. “Kyle Kuzma would thrive attacking closeouts and getting open looks from Haliburton’s passes. It helps to have a big wing that can get to the rim when the defense scrambles in the half-court. A big difference for the Pacers would be that Kuzma can create his own looks when things are stagnant. They don’t get that with Jalen Smith.”
The scout explained further: “When you think about the Pacers having Myles Turner to protect the rim and space the floor, the fit with Kuzma would be very intriguing. There’s a lot to like about what they’d look like after a trade. Bennedict Mathurin will only keep getting better and you already have the sharpshooting that Buddy Hield brings to the table.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Indiana Pacers & Washington Wizards Updates
The Pacers have the luxury of being a team in a position to win games now while having significant salary cap flexibility to work with at the trade deadline. The San Antonio Spurs are the only team with comparable financial flexibility, but they are fully immersed in a tanking effort. Capitalizing on a rare opportunity to add a core piece would be a wise move for Indiana.
