The Washington Wizards just acquired Kyle Kuzma last week as a part of a blockbuster deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers. After a rather tumultuous tenure with the Lakers, Kuzma gets the opportunity for a clean slate and a fresh start with the Wizards. But what if there's yet another Kyle Kuzma trade in the works?
However, even though the dust just settled on the recently-concluded deal, there are already rumblings that the 26-year old may not be in Washington for long. Recent reports floated that the Minnesota Timberwolves have been and are still interested in trading for Kuzma. If Kuzma continues to generate interest among other teams, should the Wizards consider parting ways with him even though he hasn't even gotten the chance to wear a Wizards uniform?
Well, it's tough to give any definite answer. It's going to depend on what the deal would be. Nonetheless, they might as well just hold on to him for the time being.
Kyle Kuzma trade breakdown
There's certainly a case for Washington to keep Kuzma for. He's still just 26 years old and could still get better. Since Bradley Beal reportedly wanted to run it back with Washington, the Wizards are at the point where they would still want to remain competitive in the East. Kuzma is good enough to be a solid contributor to a playoff hopeful like Washington. If the Wizards decide blow it up at some point this season, he still has some upside that could still make the front office consider him as part of their future.
Washington certainly hopes it can bring the best out of the 6-foot-9 forward. Perhaps Kuzma could get back on the promising path he had during his rookie and sophomore seasons, where he established some promise as a future stud in the NBA. He averaged a combined 17.3 points and 5.9 rebounds, while shooting 45.3 percent from the field in his first two years in the league.
Unfortunately, Kuzma's upward trajectory came to a halt when the Lakers brought in superstar forward Anthony Davis in the summer of 2019. Due to his production in his first two years, many envisioned Kuzma as the supposed third star that would supplement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Even the Lakers front office believed that as well, as he was the one left standing from the prized Lakers young core that was shipped to New Orleans to acquire The Brow.
However, Kyle Kuzma struggled to adapt to his new role and his inconsistency became the main reason for Laker Nation's disappointment in him. Perhaps the burden brought about by the heavy expectations from the league's biggest fanbase was too much for the Flint, Michigan native.
With Washington, Kuzma could thrive with the significantly less pressure. He's shown that he can score on all three levels and has made some strides on defensive end. Though the Capital is still a large market, it certainly isn't the bright lights of Los Angeles. Perhaps all he needs is a fresh and less stressful environment and the Wizards can give him that.
In case Kuzma doesn't work out, there's probably still a team like the Timberwolves that is willing to give him a shot. The remaining 2 years and $26 million on his current deal isn't untradeable by any means. The Wizards could still get value out of him down the line if they want to move on.
To conclude, it's probably best for Washington to see it out with Kyle Kuzma and let him debut as a Wizard in October.
Follow Us
Subscribe