Every NBA team has its principles. Some teams refuse to rebuild – they try to stay competitive on an annual basis. Other teams don’t mind losing for a few seasons if it’s going to net them premium lottery odds.
With that said plenty of factors will determine which philosophy a team adopts. For example, a team’s market matters. If they play in a glamorous market, it’s easier to stay competitive.
Perhaps that’s why the Miami Heat always seem to be in the mix. Players want to play in Miami. On the other hand, the Washington Wizards wisely chose to begin rebuilding last summer.
Could they continue that trend by sending Kuzma to the Heat?
NBA Trade Proposal: Miami Heat Land Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Duncan Robinson, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Tyus Jones, G Delon Wright
We don’t mean to be unkind to Washington. It’s a lovely city. Moreover, market size may be an advantage, but it isn’t everything. Recent NBA history tells us that.
The Denver Nuggets were the last NBA champions. Denver offers plenty of advantages – especially if you’re a lover of nature. Still, the point holds. Denver is not a glamor market. The Nuggets do not have a reputation for consistently attracting top-tier free agents.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat Updates
Neither do the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet, they won an NBA title recently as well. Both of these teams teach us that if you draft well and make good decisions, you can win a title in any market.
Is this a good decision for the Wizards?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
It’s been suggested that the Wizards are seeking multiple firsts in exchange for Kuzma. That doesn’t feel realistic. Kuzma is on contract for several more years. His contract is likely to scare off suitors in what’s already considered a buyer’s market.
Still, Kuzma remains a productive player. He could likely net a protected first for the Wizards. On the other hand, if they want an unprotected first, they may have to include more.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat Updates
That’s what they’re doing here. By adding Jones and Wright to the deal, the Wizards are extracting an unprotected first-round pick from the Heat. They also benefit simply by getting these veterans out of the way and clearing the runway for their young prospects.
Finally, they’ll enjoy Lowry’s expiring contract. Should the Heat help the Wizards clear that path?
Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
It’s hard to imagine Duncan Robinson on a team besides the Heat. He’s been there for a long time. The Heat will miss his outstanding movement shooting.
At the same time, they won’t miss it enough to pass on this deal. How could they? Kuzma would be this team’s third offensive option. His ability to create for himself and his teammates will make Miami a much more dangerous team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat Updates
With that said, they’re also upgrading their point guard rotation in a major way here. Jones alone will be an improvement from Lowry – and they’re adding Wright as well. That ought to appeal to the Heat – on principle, they typically only make deals that make them better.
