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NBA Trade Idea Sends Former Lakers Champion to Memphis Grizzlies

This NBA trade idea would shake things up for the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards

Joey Linn

Mar 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) enters the building before the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center.
Mar 16, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) enters the building before the game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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The Memphis Grizzlies have not made any major roster upgrades this summer. Bringing back a group similar to the one that earned consecutive second seed finishes in the Western Conference prior to last season’s injury-riddled gap year, Memphis believes they can contend with their current group of players.

Selecting Zach Edey 9th overall in the 2024 NBA draft, Memphis addressed their center situation that had been unclear since Steven Adams was traded at last year’s deadline. Outside of the Edey addition, Memphis has been very quiet which suggests they like the group they have.

While the Grizzlies could very well reenter the Western Conference playoff picture without any major roster additions, they seem at least one piece away from truly contending for a title.

The emergence of Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson last season was one of the few bright spots for Memphis in an otherwise forgettable year. Both players have presumably earned rotation spots for next season, but if Memphis wants more scoring and experience in their starting lineup, a deal for Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma could make sense.

In a report earlier this offseason, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype revealed that teams around the league value Kuzma’s descending contract, and the Wizards would likely need to receive multiple first round picks if they were to entertain trading the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers NBA champion.

Given what has been reported, a potential Kuzma to Memphis trade could look like this (h/t Spotrac):

Grizzlies receive: Kyle Kuzma

Wizards receive: Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, 2025 first round pick, 2027 first round pick

In his report on Kuzma’s interest around the league, Scotto added that the Mikal Bridges and DeJounte Murray trade packages have helped influence Washington’s desire to receive multiple first round picks back in any Kuzma deal. 

Mikal Bridges and Dejounte Murray
Nov 22, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) dribbles against Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) during overtime at State Farm Arena. / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Losing Smart would hurt for Memphis, as his defense in the backcourt gives them a different dynamic from their other guards. That said, the 30-year-old appeared in just 20 games last season due to injuries, and is owed over $20M each of the next two seasons.

Unless they plan on running a three-guard starting lineup with Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Smart, Memphis may not want to commit that much money to a backup point guard. As for Washington, Smart could help them establish a more serious culture after just 15 wins last season.

Offensive production from their small forward position has been one area the Grizzlies have lacked in recent years. While Kuzma has spent a lot of time at the four in his NBA career, he could fit well next to Morant, Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. as an additional scoring threat.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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