Inside The Wizards

Wizards Trade Idea Sends Kyle Kuzma to Contender

Kyle Kuzma could be traded by the Washington Wizards.

Jeremy Brener

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
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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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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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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