Trade Proposal Sends Jarrett Allen To Wizards, Kyle Kuzma To Cavaliers

One NBA writer proposed that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards make a trade with each other this offseason. 

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Cavaliers and Wizards:

The trade: The Washington Wizards trade Kyle Kuzma and the No. 26 pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Jarrett Allen

Allen has two years and $40 million left on his contract. He averaged 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 blocks this season while shooting 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line.  

Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season while shooting 46.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $23.5 million next season. 

“There are myriad ways in which the Wizards could send Kuzma elsewhere,” Buckley wrote. “Most inevitably include getting back the kind of draft assets you’d figure a rebuilding team would want to stockpile.

“This is a fun curveball concept, though. Yes, the Wizards give up a pick here, but it’s a late first in a draft that no one loves. Washington would still be landing a blue-chipper at No. 2, and it might see more value in a proven commodity like Allen than a dart throw at No. 26.

“Allen, who just turned 26 in April, would have a way of simplifying things for all of the young players around him. He can correct mistakes with his paint protection, contain penetration with his mobility, close out defensive possessions with rebounds and consistently convert scoring chances around the rim.”

Kuzma has career averages of 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings. He won the 2020 NBA championship with the Lakers. 

Allen has career averages of 12.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 1.3 blocks with the Brooklyn Nets and Cavaliers. Trade rumors have already linked him to the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings. 

Both Allen and Kuzma could be traded this offseason, so Buckley thinks the Cavaliers and Wizards can come together and help each other out.