The Washington Wizards continue to confound. They seem rather content with remaining one of the most decidedly mediocre teams in the entire NBA. Their latest trade – sending away Rui Hachimura, a 24-year old combo forward, to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks – may not be such a bad move on paper. But it reeks of poor asset management nonetheless.
Hachimura has not been able to carve out a consistent role in D.C. this season, as he has fallen behind Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert on the pecking order. Moreover, the Japanese international will enter restricted free agency come season's end, where many expect that he would command an eight-figure deal.
However, if trading away Rui Hachimura is driven by the Wizards' desire to retain Kyle Kuzma in unrestricted free agency, like plenty of reports state, then that may be the most befuddling reason behind a roster move. There are no guarantees that Kuzma even decides to re-up with the Wizards. Kuzma's foray into free agency will be his first, and he will surely take his sweet time listening to offers from other teams.
And to be honest, the Wizards' situation isn't the most enticing destination for someone who can control his future, like Kuzma can. Sure, the Wizards can offer him the most money, but it's not quite clear just how much Kuzma would prioritize getting his bag over landing in a much more favorable situation (perhaps a winning team or a bigger market, like Los Angeles).
The Wizards' desire to remain somewhat competitive is admirable, especially in a league where the overwhelming philosophy seems to be championship or bust. But with Washington going nowhere fast, they may have to sell off more pieces in trades with the trade deadline fast approaching.
Three-team trade extravaganza with Kyle Kuzma going to the Phoenix Suns, Jae Crowder to the Milwaukee Bucks, and draft picks to the Wizards
Kyle Kuzma is in the middle of the best statistical season of his career, emerging as an impressive offensive weapon. Through 46 games, Kuzma is averaging 22.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists on 45.7 percent shooting from the field, a solid showing for a Wizards team that has sorely needed his offense amid Bradley Beal's bouts with injuries. The Wizards could very well keep him, but to what end? To win 30 games? Or challenge for a play-in berth if things break right?
Sometimes what's best isn't always the easiest to accept. If the Wizards were to become something more than Eastern Conference fodder, they may have to do a hard reset, Bradley Beal's absurd contract notwithstanding. And they may not have a better trade piece than the 2020 NBA champion.
The Phoenix Suns have tried to shop Jae Crowder since the beginning of the season. However, they have remained overly optimistic as to what the veteran 3 and D forward could bring in a trade. Nonetheless, it'll be difficult for the Suns to acquire a better upgrade at the forward positions than Kyle Kuzma, given their current state.
The Suns have struggled offensively without Devin Booker, although they have been playing well of late with Chris Paul and Cameron Johnson back from their injuries. Still, for a team with championship aspirations, they will need more skilled size. As evidenced by their defeat against the Dallas Mavericks last postseason, the Suns need more players who can make plays when Paul and Booker are overburdened.
Thus, Kuzma would be such a solid fit in Phoenix. The Suns have all their future draft picks as well, so that will not be too much of an issue. They could offer Washington a lottery-protected 2023 first-round pick (or even more if Kuzma gives free agency reassurances), along with the second-rounders they can get from the Bucks for Jae Crowder. Meanwhile, in this scenario, Grayson Allen could also land in Phoenix, with the Wizards absorbing Dario Saric's contract in exchange for even more draft assets.
Something has to change for the Wizards, and this trade could give them the requisite lottery tickets, not to mention cause their tumble down the standings, in the hopes of finding the franchise's next big star.
Will Barton to the Sacramento Kings?
Will Barton has not impressed in DC. After starting 71 games for the Denver Nuggets last season, Barton has found himself in a limited, 20-minute per night role in Washington, and his numbers have suffered as a result. But with his contract set to expire at the conclusion of the season, the Wizards should do what they must and try to acquire as many draft assets as they could for the 32-year old wing.
The Kings could, perhaps, swing a deal for Barton, with Richaun Holmes going to D.C. in return. Barton may not be a huge upgrade, but the Kings will free up future cap space by trading away Holmes. Meanwhile, the Wizards could rehabilitate Holmes' value, as he has proven that he could put up impressive numbers in a large role, and then trade him away in the future for even more draft assets.
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