Fans of rebuilding NBA teams need to be patient – to an extent. The process takes some time. Sure. At some point, fans should demand more.
When a team loses for too long, those feelings of goodwill can disappear quickly. The Washington Wizards don’t need to worry about it for a while.
This is the first season of their rebuild. Washington should be focused on accumulating assets – not winning games. On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets have had enough time now.
This team needs to take a step forward. They’re in the midst of another losing season, and their fans are surely growing impatient.
Could they acquire Kyle Kuzma from the Wizards as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal: Charlotte Hornets Land Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: F Gordon Hayward, 2024 Second-Round Pick (BOS via CHA), 2027 Second-Round Pick (CHA), 2028 Second-Round Pick (BOS via CHA)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, F Danilo Gallinari
Perhaps we’re being too hard on the Hornets. An NBA team can only control so much. The Hornets have, to an extent, been the victims of bad luck.
LaMelo Ball has suffered a series of injuries. That’s entirely out of Charlotte’s control. Miles Bridges has been suspended for an entire season. This front office can’t control his actions, either.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Life has not always been easy in Buzz City. Should Hornets fans be optimistic now? Ball looks more like himself after a difficult start to the season. Bridges is set to return.
Is now really the time to make a move for Kuzma?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Some Hornets fans won’t love this suggestion. They’ll point to the positional overlap between Bridges, Kuzma, and Brandon Miller. We’re not concerned.
Either one of Kuzma or Bridges can play the 3, and Miller can play the 2. If anyone is the odd man out here, it might be Terry Rozier.
That doesn’t concern us either. Frankly, the fit between two ball-dominant guards in Ball and Rozier has posed some issues for the Hornets at times.
Surrounding Ball with size and defense may be the route forward. Following this deal, the Hornets could run one of the biggest lineups in the NBA without compromising their athleticism or their transition game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Meanwhile, talent isn’t always easy to attract for Charlotte. This small market team has been known to acquire talented players when their market is otherwise unremarkable. In fact, that’s how they ended up with Hayward.
Should the Wizards be interested in landing him?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
Hornets fans may be dubious here. Some Wizards fans will be outraged. Kuzma has been wildly product this season. Why can’t they get a first-round pick for him?
Well, Kuzma’s numbers are partially inflated by the Wizards’ lack of talent. Rival front offices will know that. Meanwhile, they may be put off by his long extension.
The Wizards may not be happy with the market for Kuzma if they do decide to put him on the trade block. So, they should be content with Hayward’s expiring contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets Updates
Moreover, they are picking up a trio of second-round picks here – that’s something. This deal will make them worse, but that’s fine. Wizards fans need to exercise patience for a little while yet.
