Keep an eye on the Dallas Mavericks. People counted this team out before the 2023-24 NBA season got underway. They may have made a critical mistake. The Mavericks look like genuine title contenders at this point in the season.
Perhaps some overestimated their performance after the deadline last season. Sure, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving didn’t look like an optimal pairing. In fairness, they’d had no time to develop chemistry. Now that they have, they look like one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA.
On the other hand, this Mavericks roster is still somewhat shallow. The Mavericks still have needs. In particular, they could use a big wing. This team could also use a dynamic third offensive option.
Could they land both in the same player by acquiring Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, F/C Markieff Morris, 2027 First-Round Pick (DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
With that said, we can’t blame anybody for being skeptical about the Mavericks. Irving has a long history of destroying team chemistry. Whenever a team acquires him, it seems to be met with a universal eye roll.
Fair. On the other hand, people change. Irving is no exception. Since arriving in Dallas, he’s said all the right things. It feels like Irving wants to spend the rest of his career in Dallas. If that’s true, developing chemistry with Doncic will be paramount.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards Updates
So far, it looks like that chemistry is well-developed. The Mavericks have not lost a game yet. With that in mind, perhaps it’s premature to suggest they need to upgrade their roster.
Should they really push this many chips in for Kuzma?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Moreover, some will suggest that Tim Hardaway Jr. is Dallas’ third star. This year, he’s looked that part. Hardaway Jr. is putting a lot of points on the board, and he’s doing it efficiently.
The Mavericks shouldn’t count on that to continue. If it does? That’s great. At the same time, Hardaway Jr. has never been a volume scorer. He’s a floor spacer. He figures to be a meaningful part of this team’s rotation, but he’s not a star player.
By contrast, Kuzma is a perfect third man. Granted, his three-point efficiency has been weak this year, but it feels like that ought to change alongside Doncic and Irving.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards Updates
With the gravity that those players command, Kuzma will get more open looks. Meanwhile, he’s a big, versatile wing who can defend, pass, and create his own shot.
Should the Wizards part with him?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
That isn’t even the question. The Wizards should certainly move Kuzma – if they can. After awarding him a longterm contract this summer, the Wizards should be happy to get his money off of the books. The question is whether they’ll be able to do that.
Kuzma may find limited suitors. That’s not a knock on his talent – it’s a knock on his contract. Yet, the Mavericks could be desperate enough to make an upgrade to offer a first-round pick. If they are, the Wizards should pounce on the opportunity.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards Updates
After all, this team is rebuilding. Kuzma is not likely to be a meaningful part of Washington’s future. If they can land a first-round pick for him, that will help their rebuild along. In a few years, they may be a team worth keeping an eye on.
