Find a list of the NBA players most likely to get moved at the trade deadline. We’ll wait. Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards was on the list, right? We knew it!
Why wouldn’t he be? Kuzma is the best player on one of the worst teams in the league. That makes him an automatic trade candidate. As the deadline approaches, we’ll continue to hear speculation about where Kuzma may land.
With that said, he may not get the haul that the Wizards are looking for. Kuzma is on a long-term, expensive contract. If the Wizards can nab an unprotected first-round pick for him, they should take that deal.
Should the Sacramento Kings make that offer?
NBA Trade Proposal
Washington Wizards Receive: F Harrison Barnes, G Davion Mitchell, 2026 First-Round Pick (SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
With that said, predicting the actions of NBA teams is notoriously difficult. What feels like common sense to us may feel different to a general manager. Who knows what the Wizards might do?
They could keep Kuzma. For starters, they may prefer to hold him until his contract has aged. If Kuzma is playing at this level in two years, a contender should be more willing to commit to him. The Wizards could get a haul.
NBA NEWS. & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings Updates
Moreover, Washington may not be looking to rebuild for long. This team may want to turn their fortunes around quickly. In that event, they may see Kuzma as part of their future. Should they?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
If this deal is available, the Wizards should take it. Sure, they could be selling low. On the other hand, they could be selling high. There’s no guarantee that Kuzma will continue to play as well as he is now.
Why not cut their losses? After all, the Wizards are getting an unprotected first here. That’s a good return at the moment. This is a buyer’s market – in the current economy, landing an unprotected first isn’t easy.
NBA NEWS. & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings Updates
Meanwhile, Mitchell has potential as well. He’s already a strong defender. This is a young player worth adding to a rebuilding team. Should the Kings let him go?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
It’s a buyer’s market. So, it’s time for contending teams to buy. This is simple – the Kings are a very good team, and Kuzma is a very good player.
Specifically, he does a little bit of everything. Kuzma can shoot and create shots. He can pass. Perhaps most significantly to the Kings, he can defend. Kuzma would be an ideal third option besides De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, and he has a skill that this team needs on the defensive end.
NBA NEWS. & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings Updates
Meanwhile, the Kings have already been phasing Mitchell out. His offensive game is too raw to be of use to a contender. They shouldn’t mind losing him – in fact, his name is known to pop up in trade rumors as well.
