Every year at the NBA trade deadline, somebody surprises us. They’re supposed to be buyers, and they end up selling – or vice versa. Either way, somebody is going to subvert our expectations.
Take the Atlanta Hawks. This team is supposed to sell at the deadline. The Hawks have had a disappointing 2023-24 season. With that in mind, most fans are expecting them to move Dejounte Murray.
Could the Hawks take a different route? There’s talent on this team. If the Hawks added a viable third offensive option, they may be able to take a significant step forward.
How about Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards?
NBA Trade Idea
Washington Wizards Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, G Patty Mills, 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
Often, there’s a widespread consensus about what a team should do. There are unspoken rules in the NBA. On the other hand, rules are made to be broken.
The rules say that an underwhelming team should sell. If that team is light on assets, that holds even truer. The team is in no position to make a deep playoff run, so they might as well recoup their assets while they’ve got the chance.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Those rules apply to the Hawks. They sent three first-round picks to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for Murray. Now, they’re an underwhelming team who could use those assets back.
Should they sink an asset into Kuzma instead?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Here’s the thing about assets in the NBA – they’re fluid. If the Hawks are still disappointing after this move, they could flip Murray, Kuzma, or even Trae Young for draft capital. There’s always a path forward for an NBA team.
In the meantime, what’s plaguing the Hawks? Well, the offense is predictable. If it isn’t Young’s turn, it’s Murray’s. The Hawks need to diversify their attack if they’re going to compete for the remainder of 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Kuzma would help. He can create his own shot, and he’s a solid playmaker as well. He should make the Hawks a better team. If these pieces click, they could even win a playoff series.
Should the Wizards put them in that position?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
The Hawks have been disappointing in 2023-24. The Wizards have not. They’ve been dreadful, and that’s exactly what they’d hoped for. The Wizards are concerned with their lottery odds.
So, moving Kuzma makes sense. Acquiring a first-round pick for him would also be ideal. It’s been reported that the Wizards want multiple picks in exchange for Kuzma. Given his current contract, that may be optimistic. A first should suffice.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks Updates
If the Hawks have reservations here, they’ll pertain to taking on Hunter’s deal. They shouldn’t worry about it. Hunter is young enough to be part of their future, and as a low-usage 3-and-D wing, he should be easy to move down the line.
This is a good trade for the Wizards – they should hope that the Hawks have a surprise in store at the deadline.
