Suns Likely Out on Kyle Kuzma After Rui Hachimura Trade

Despite Washington Wizards Kyle Kuzma potentially being off the trade market, there is no need to panic for the Phoenix Suns.

As the Washington Wizards trade Rui Hachimura to the Los Angeles Lakers, it looks like the Wizards will look to sign Kyle Kuzma long-term according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski which is not great news for the Phoenix Suns.

Hachimura and the Wizards were unable to agree on a rookie extension prior to the season and trade became more likely as Kyle Kuzma solidified himself as a priority to sign to a long-term deal in the Wizards front court.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2023

It has been reported throughout the NBA season that Kuzma could be a possible target for the Suns at the trade deadline. The 27-year-old has really hit his stride in Washington this year averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

Kuzma would have been an excellent fit in the Valley, allowing for the Suns to add another effective forward to go along with Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. However, Phoenix still has some options even with Kuzma out of the picture.

Players such as John Collins, Bojan Bogdanovic and P.J. Washington are some of the forwards that the Suns could set their eyes on. If Phoenix feels instead a guard might be more valuable to them, guys like Jordan Clarkson, Gary Trent. Jr. and Immanuel Quickley are potentially available on the market.

Despite the excuse of injury, the Suns still have not lived up to the high expectations that were put upon them and will need to beef up their roster if they want to improve and go on a deep playoff run. In order to combat these injuries Phoenix seems to keep suffering, they must add a couple of players that are able to play heavy minutes if guys like Devin Booker or Chris Paul were to get injured in the playoffs.

With plenty of pieces for the Suns to choose from it will be up to James Jones to ensure he trades for not just any player, but the right one that will compliment the team well.

The Feb. 9 trade deadline is just a couple weeks away so the Suns’ time to strike on a deal is now.