Wizards Were 'Close' to Accepting Mavs Trade for Kyle Kuzma, Sought 'Home-Run Offer'
NEW YORK CITY — The Dallas Mavericks returned from the trade deadline, acquiring P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford to add more talent and depth around Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II. Before getting those deals done, the Mavs pursued Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards.
According to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the Wizards were "close" to accepting a trade offer from the Mavs for Kuzma. A deal didn't get done because Washington sought a "home-run offer" to part with Kuzma, seeking at least two first-round picks.
"The Wizards came “close” to accepting one offer for Kuzma, team sources said, but although the Wizards sources would not reveal the identity of the potential trade partner, additional reporting by The Athletic revealed that the suitor almost certainly was the Mavericks and not the Sacramento Kings," Robbins wrote. "The offer for Kuzma from the Mavericks was not compelling enough to the Wizards, who sought a home-run offer and not just a fair offer. Washington’s asking price was said to be at least two first-round picks."
The Mavs only had a 2027 first-round pick to trade in terms of outright draft capital to move during a midseason trade since they still owe the New York Knicks a first-round selection with top 10 protections that carry through 2025, in addition to moving picks their 2029 selection for Kyrie Irving. To complete their trade to acquire Gafford, the Mavs traded the right to swap first-round picks in 2028 with the Oklahoma City Thunder to add a 2024 first-round pick to use in the deal.
The Wizards have every reason to be patient when trading Kuzma. Firstly, he made his desire to stay in Washington clear, but beyond that, he has a descending annual salary on his four-year, $90 million contract. He will earn only $21.5 million in 2025-26 and $19.4 million in 2026-27, which will be a great value.
