Improvement is always a noble goal. With that said, it’s not one that every NBA team is entering the 2023-24 season with. Some teams would prefer not to improve. They’ll want the opposite if they hope to find themselves in the next lottery.
The Washington Wizards should be one such team. This organization finally traded Bradley Beal this summer. Now, the Wizards are rebuilding. Lottery odds should be their priority this season. The Wizards still have quality veterans like Kyle Kuzma to move if they want to optimize those odds.
By contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder should be done with the lottery. This team is looking to take a step forward. The goal for the Thunder is to improve. Could they take Kyle Kuzma off of the Wizards’ hands to accomplish that goal?
The Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards Receive: F Davis Bertans, F/C Aleksej Pokusevski
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
Yes, we’re talking about “tanking.” It’s a hot-button issue. To hear some tell it, it’s ruining the NBA. To be sure, watching a team that doesn’t want to win games can be a chore. We understand why it grates on some fans. On the other hand, we understand why organizations choose that route, too.
After all, the lottery is designed to help the worst teams in the league improve. That’s its entire function. So, if you’re looking to improve, it can make sense to get worse. Sure, you’re exploiting the system. Yet, the league needs a system that helps the league’s worst teams get better. If the lottery is ever replaced, it must be replaced with a system that shares that function.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
In the meantime, we’ve got the lottery. It’s a mechanism that the Wizards have typically avoided using. As a result, we’ve seen this organization consistently field mediocre teams. Trading Beal was a step in the right direction. Is this another step in the right direction?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Absolutely. With that said, some would want the Wizards to net a first-round pick for Kuzma. If he’s playing exceptionally well this year, they might. At the same time, we wouldn’t take it for granted. Kuzma is on a significant, long-term contract. Competitive teams looking to part with a first-round pick may prefer to find a comparable player who allows them more flexibility.
So, we’ve got the Wizards taking a flyer on Pokusevski instead. That’s not so different from a first-round pick. Pokusevski is only 21. Meanwhile, he’s got a lot of potential. In theory, he’s a tall wing with elite playmaking skills and some floor spacing. Yes, his slim frame could be an obstacle to long-term success. Pokosevski is a gamble, and the Wizards are in a perfect position to make a big bet.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
If he doesn’t work out? The Wizards are still getting off of Kuzma’s deal here. They’re also making it easier to tank – Kuzma is good, and that’s a problem for Washington. Is he good enough for the Thunder to give up on Pokusevski?
Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal
For the Thunder, this is a simple equation. Kuzma is better than Pokusevski. They want to be a good team next season. So, upgrading their roster makes sense. It’s an open-and-shut case.
After all, Kuzma is a do-it-all wing who can shoot, defend, and make plays for himself and others. The Thunder value that type of versatility – their roster is full of such players. Yet, most are young and may not be ready to contribute. Kuzma should instantly impact this team in the win/loss column.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
Meanwhile, his contract may be onerous, but it’s not unmoveable, either. Consider that the Thunder have the most first-round picks ever amassed by an NBA team. If they want to trade for a star down the line, Kuzma’s contract could actually be useful. In that event, the Thunder would be looking to improve – again.
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