For a long time, the Sacramento Kings were the NBA’s laughingstock. Not anymore. In 2022-23, the Kings got serious. This team had the best offense in the NBA. The Kings were bonafide title contenders.
With that said, they’d ultimately lose to the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Still, this was a successful season for the Kings. Next year, the bar will be higher.
Another first-round exit would be a disappointment for this organization. With that in mind, the Kings could make a win-now trade this season. Could they acquire Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards in a midseason move?
The Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards Receive: F Harrison Barnes, F Keegan Murray
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
We don’t mean to be rude about the Kings. We’re simply speaking the truth. They weren’t just a laughing stock. The Kings set an NBA record by missing the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons.
With that said, they’re not the only team to consistently fall short of expectations. Some teams have been dangerously close to matching that record. They’re simply lucky to have broken up years of missed playoff appearances with the odd first-round exit.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Sacramento Kings & Washington Wizards Updates
The Washington Wizards are one such franchise. This summer, they made changes accordingly. The Wizards finally traded Bradley Beal. Now, the Wizards are rebuilding. Could they trade Kuzma as a result?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Absolutely. In fact, plenty of people expected the Wizards to move Kuzma this summer. Instead, they extended him.
Why? In all likelihood, the Wizards know that Kuzma’s trade value is higher if he’s on a long-term contract. They can’t trade him this summer, having extended him. Still, it feels likely that the Wizards intend on showcasing him this summer with the intention of moving him around the trade deadline.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Sacramento Kings & Washington Wizards Updates
If so, this would be a perfect deal. The Wizards aren’t interested in Barnes – he’s making the money work. With that in mind, moving Kuzma for the much younger Keegan Murray would be smart. He could be part of their young core for years to come. Should the Kings give him up?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Kings are a win-now team making a win-now deal here. There’s nothing complicated about it. Kuzma is the best player in this deal, so the Kings should want him.
Does losing Murray sting? You bet. He’s likely to have a long NBA career as a starting player. With that said, he’s simply not as impactful as Kuzma at the moment. In fact, Kuzma is one of the more well-rounded players in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Sacramento Kings & Washington Wizards Updates
Kuzma spaces the floor. He can create his own shot, make plays for his teammates, score on all three levels, and play some defense as well. Granted, he’s not elite in any of these areas. Kuzma is a jack of all trades. All told, he’d make the Kings better – and for the first time in a while, that’s all that matters to this organization.
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