One NBA writer is proposing that the Memphis Grizzlies acquire Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Grizzlies and Wizards:
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Kyle Kuzma and Daniel Gafford
Washington Wizards receive: Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, Ziaire Williams, Kenneth Lofton Jr., a 2024 first-round pick (top-four-protected), a 2026 first-round pick (top-four-protected) and a 2028 first-round pick swap
Buckley proposed this trade because he believes the Wizards need to lean into a long-term rebuild and the Grizzlies need more scorers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards Updates
“It could be incredibly meaningful to a hopeful contender like the Grizzlies, though, especially if they’re still struggling to gain traction when Kuzma becomes trade-eligible in mid-January,” Buckley wrote. “While they were obviously going to have some challenges with Ja Morant serving a 25-game suspension, their disastrous 2-9 start loudly suggests this club needs more than its star point guard back. The offense is light on support scorers and shot-makers, areas Kuzma can address as a nightly source of 24.1 points on 48.5/35.3/78.1 shooting.”
Kuzma is averaging 23.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists on the season while shooting 47.2% from the field, 35.1% from beyond the arc and 78.6% from the free-throw line. He signed a four-year, $90 million contract with the Wizards this past offseason.
The Grizzlies could start Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Kuzma, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Bismack Biyombo if Memphis’ front office figured out a way to acquire Kuzma from Washington. Morant is eligible to return from his 25-game suspension on December 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards Updates
Kuzma has career averages of 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers and Wizards. He helped the Lakers win the 2020 championship at the Walt Disney World bubble.
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