Suns Could Make Bold Trade For Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma, Phoenix Suns, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Washington Wizards looked to address one of their biggest questions when they traded Rui Hachimura to the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise had to decide which of their power forwards they wanted to keep long-term, and it would seem that their answer is Kyle Kuzma ahead of his impending NBA free agency.

With Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis both having player options this summer, Washington has to be ready to shell out sizable contracts. With Hachimura also set for a new deal as a restricted free agent, a decision had to be made ahead of the trade deadline on February 9th.

While the Wizards’ front office and ownership likely feel strongly about their chances of retaining Kuzma, otherwise they wouldn’t have traded Hachimura, things could change. It has been reported that Kuzma wants to change teams this offseason, but some of that could be franchises being optimistic they’ll have a shot at the Utah product.

In the midst of the best season in his career, Kuzma would likely fetch the Wizards a relatively strong return despite the fact he can become a free agent in the summer. One team that could look to make a deal with them is the Phoenix Suns.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Phoenix Suns Updates

The Suns have been on the lookout for frontcourt help all season. Jae Crowder has been away from the team since training camp and their depth has been tested from opening night. Kuzma would be a perfect replacement for him as a long, lanky forward that has made sizable strides throughout his career.

A proposed trade between the Wizards and Suns would be Kuzma heading to the desert in exchange for Crowder, Josh Okogie and a 2023 first-round pick. If Washington can extract an unprotected first-round pick in a swap for Kuzma, they will think long and hard about pulling the trigger.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Phoenix Suns Updates

Despite being on a six-game winning streak, the team is currently 24-26 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards have to ask themselves how competitive they can really be with a trio of Bradley Beal, Kuzma and Porzingis. If this season is any indication, their ceiling may not be too high.

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