NBA Trade Rumors: Wizards' Kyle Kuzma Expected to Be 'Coveted' Ahead of 2024 Draft

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma "is expected to be coveted again on the trade market" leading up to the 2024 NBA draft, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

Despite going on to finish as one of the worst teams in the league, the Wizards held firm at the February deadline and declined to cash in on Kuzma's trade value.

The 28-year-old's contract meant the opportunity would probably present itself again down the road. He's signed through 2026-27 and his $22.5 million average salary is pretty reasonable given what he delivers on the court. The deal was front-loaded as well, meaning his payout will fall to $19.4 million in the final year.

Kuzma averaged 22.2 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 33.6 percent from beyond the arc in 70 games this season.

Some of his stats are undoubtedly inflated because he's playing on such a bad team. Bradley Beal's trade to the Phoenix Suns also coincided with him having the highest usage rate (29.7 percent) of his career, per Basketball Reference.

Were he to be traded, the 6'9" forward is unlikely to be the leading figure elsewhere he is right now in Washington. His skill set should be transferrable to a lot of different teams, though, which is why he has been such a regular trade target in the past.

After staying put, Kuzma told The Athletic's Josh Robbins in February there was a moment when the Dallas Mavericks "definitely did want me." However, he indicated to Washington's front office he was happy to stick around.

"Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn't want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do," he said. "I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it."

Considering how far away the Wizards appear to be from contending again, it's easy to foresee a situation — maybe as early as this summer — where Kuzma's or the Wizards' mindset changes.

Based on Scotto's report, rival teams are prepared to test the two parties' resolve.