Wizards Trade Idea Sends Kyle Kuzma to Contender

Kyle Kuzma could be traded by the Washington Wizards.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 8, 2025

Jan 1, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) handles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images / Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

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Washington Wizards

With just over four weeks until the NBA Trade Deadline, the Washington Wizards are fielding calls for veteran forward Kyle Kuzma.

Kuzma, 29, is averaging 15.4 points per game, and while he has dealt with injuries this season, he is currently healthy and ready to contribute for a contender.

Bleacher Report writer Zach Buckley imagines a trade where Kuzma goes to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marcus Smart, Vince Williams Jr. and a 2026 first-round pick (lottery protected).

"Memphis would welcome his scoring punch when he has it rolling, but there would be other nights when it might only need activity on the glass, extra-pass ball moving or defensive versatility. If Kuzma bought into playing a more-guts-than-glory support role, he'd help tie this roster together," Buckley writes.

The Wizards would likely agree to a buyout with Smart, but there is some value with the other parts of the deal coming to Washington.

"The Wizards wouldn't have much use for Smart, who's been injured or inconsistent throughout his season-plus stay in Memphis, but they'd probably do well to turn this version of Kuzma into a first-round pick. And they might see a long-term spot for Williams as a tone-setting defender," Buckley writes. "It's not the return Washington initially hoped for Kuzma, but it seems sufficient in light of his struggles."

Stockpiling as many future assets as possible should be the goal for the Wizards, and getting a future first-round pick for Kuzma would be a success for the team. It may not be where his apex was in terms of value, but the Wizards still get a decent return to help their team in the future.

The Wizards are back in action tonight as they visit Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

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Published Jan 8, 2025

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.