Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Remains Top Target With Trade Deadline Looming

Before the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings tipped off on Sunday night, Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma jogged to the first row at midcourt, where he bumped fists and exchanged smiles with a fan. That fan was Vivek Ranadive, the owner and chairman of the Kings, sparking immediate speculation about a potential trade. The timing of the encounter, with the NBA trade deadline just two and a half weeks away, raised eyebrows, as the Kings have long been rumored to have an interest in Kuzma, as relayed by Josh Robbins of The Athletic.Kyle Kuzma, Wizards, Pistons, NBA

However, Kuzma quickly downplayed any connection to trade talks. Speaking after the Kings’ 123-100 victory over the Wizards, Kuzma explained that he and Ranadivé had recently invested together in Major League Volleyball, a new women’s professional sports venture, and that the interaction was unrelated to basketball.

“Nothing basketball-related,” Kuzma said.

While Kuzma dismissed any direct trade link, the speculation surrounding his future in Washington is likely to continue. The Wizards, currently in the midst of a rebuild, are reportedly looking to add draft picks, making Kuzma — a veteran forward with a championship pedigree — a logical trade candidate. At 29 years old and with two years remaining on his contract, Kuzma’s timeline does not align with Washington’s long-term plans.

The Wizards have expressed appreciation for Kuzma’s presence, particularly his ability to take pressure off younger players like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Carlton Carrington, and Kyshawn George. But Kuzma’s season has been marked by struggles, including injuries that have kept him out for significant stretches. The Wizards’ 6-35 record, the worst in the NBA, has only compounded the team’s challenges.

Kuzma, who has spent the past two seasons as one of Washington’s top offensive options, has found his role diminished this year as the team has brought in more ball handlers like Jordan Poole. Wizards coach Brian Keefe acknowledged that the team’s emphasis on developing more playmakers has affected Kuzma’s role in the offense.

“We’ve got more ballhandlers, we’ve got more decision-makers, and that’s something that we want to develop,” Keefe said. “That’s going to help develop our roster as we continue to get better.”

Despite efforts to give Kuzma more opportunities to create, including extended minutes in the second and third quarters of Sunday’s game, he finished with just 13 points on 3-of-15 shooting. It was a regression after he scored 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting in a loss to Golden State the night before.

Kuzma’s inconsistent performance raises questions about his trade value, especially as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The Kings reportedly considered trading for Kuzma last season, but then-coach Mike Brown was not interested in the deal.

The Dallas Mavericks also expressed interest in Kuzma ahead of last year’s trade deadline, even making an offer to Washington, but the Wizards ultimately declined.

If another team expresses interest in Kuzma before the February 6 deadline, the question remains: will Kuzma be open to a move?

“We’ll see how it goes,” Kuzma said when asked if he would consider a trade. “I didn’t think last year was the right time (for a trade) after signing the deal (a four-year contract in 2023). I haven’t had conversations (with Wizards management). I haven’t even talked about the deadline, haven’t talked about being traded. So, this is really the first time I’m really talking about it.”

Kuzma, who reached his 500th career regular-season NBA game on Sunday, acknowledged that trade rumors are a part of every player’s career.

“I don’t really look at it, honestly,” he said. “As players, you’re always in trade talks. I know I’ve been my entire career, and I’ve always been at a place where I’m valued at. So, yeah, that’s the best way I look at the trade deadline.”

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Kuzma’s future in Washington remains uncertain.

Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?

Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!

Leave a Reply