Why Kings Should Pursue Kyle Kuzma Trade with Wizards amid Latest NBA Rumors
Change could again be on the horizon for Kyle Kuzma. After getting traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Washington Wizards in August 2021, the 27-year-old's future is a bit uncertain, as he could soon be on the move.
Kuzma, who is in his second season with the Wizards, has a $13 million player option for the 2023-24 campaign. And at this point, it doesn't seem likely he'd opt in to remain in Washington, according to a recent report by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
"He wants out," an NBA source told Pincus of Kuzma. "He's looking for over $20 million a season and in a big market [or with a contender]."
But it's also possible Kuzma could be on a new team before opting out and becoming a free agent this upcoming summer.
Pincus reported that Kuzma has been on the radar of the Sacramento Kings, who tried to acquire him when he was previously dealt from the Lakers to the Wizards. The Kings may even have the assets to try to swing a trade for Kuzma.
"The Kings can't trade a first until 2028 (due to protections on their obligation to the Atlanta Hawks for Kevin Huerter), but they could build a deal around Harrison Barnes with that distant pick and/or prospects like Davion Mitchell," Pincus wrote.
Sacramento may not be the only team with interest in Kuzma. The Lakers are a "team to monitor," per Pincus, while the Phoenix Suns "may also see a path" and the New York Knicks are "another team to keep a close eye on."
It would make quite a bit of sense for Kuzma to end up with the Kings, though.
Sacramento has gotten off to a strong start to the 2022-23 season. It is 14-10 and in fifth place in the Western Conference, and it may be trending toward a playoff appearance. The Kings have the longest active postseason drought in the NBA, as they haven't made it since 2006. And they haven't won a playoff series since 2004.
If Sacramento is aggressive and adds the right complementary players to its talented core, then it could make a legitimate push to the postseason—and possibly even have success once it gets there. Kuzma may be the right fit to help make that happen.
A six-year NBA veteran, Kuzma is having one of his best seasons yet. He's averaging a career-high 21.4 points through 26 games, as well as 7.7 rebounds. The 6'9" standout is also shooting a career-best 46.2 percent from the field.
The best possible scenario for the Kings would be to trade for Kuzma, then sign him to a long-term deal. Because not only is he having success this season, but he's a player who they could continue to build around for the long term.
With De'Aaron Fox anchoring the backcourt and Domantas Sabonis having success down low, Kuzma would be a great third scoring option to play alongside that duo. It's a trio that seems like it would mesh well and possibly take Sacramento to greater heights.
So if the Wizards are open to moving Kuzma now, the Kings would be wise to try to put together an offer to land him. If he stays in Washington, then Sacramento should be aggressive in its pursuit of him next offseason.
