The Wizards view Kyle Kuzma as a team leader who can help the team stay competitive and assist in the development of some of the young players on the roster, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. But Scotto says teams around the NBA view Kuzma as a potential trade candidate due to his skill set, the team-friendly declining structure of his contract, and the fact that he probably doesn’t fit Washington’s long-term timeline.
The Mavericks nearly traded for Kuzma at last season’s trade deadline, but the Wizards reportedly brought that opportunity to the forward, who decided to pass on it. As Scotto writes, the Pacers had some interest in Kuzma before they acquired Pascal Siakam and the Kings have also been connected to him over the past couple seasons.
While it’s unclear if any of those clubs would circle back to Kuzma at this point, Scotto hears that the Bucks, Warriors, Lakers, Heat, and Cavaliers are among the other teams that have kept tabs on the 29-year-old.
Here’s more on the Wizards:
- Jonas Valanciunas and Malcolm Brogdon are among the Wizards’ veteran trade candidates being monitored by rival teams, says Scotto. According to Scotto, Valanciunas has provided the sort of veteran mentorship to No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr that Washington hoped for, going up against the rookie big man in practice and teaching him things on both sides of the ball.
- While the Wizards have a few trade candidates to watch, Scotto suggests that second-round picks may not move the needle much for the front office, especially if they come attached to bad contracts. Washington has already stockpiled several extra second-rounders and turned down offers consisting of second-round picks for Tyus Jones at last season’s deadline, Scotto adds.
- Johnny Davis and Patrick Baldwin Jr., both of whom are on expiring contracts after having their 2025/26 team options declined in October, were shopped on the trade market prior to the season and are potential salary fillers for in-season deals, per Scotto.
- Although Bilal Coulibaly has taken a step forward in his second NBA season, the 20-year-old is still adjusting to being relied upon as a two-way threat, according to Varun Shankar of The Washington Post, who notes that the Wizards forward’s offensive production has slipped following a hot start. “It’s been a lot thrown at me,” said Coulibaly, who has averaged 8.8 points per game with a .377/.208/.667 shooting line in his past nine games after putting up 17.0 PPG on .575/.387/.828 shooting in his first eight. “But I got to go through it because that’s what I want to do in my future, in the near future. I want to be a great two-way player. … I’ll take it.”
The Wizards should view Kuzma as a boulder around their necks. Since he’s come back, Bilal has been shut out of the offense. Even him missing games hasn’t changed that.
Poole is like that as well, he’s capable of facilitating and getting the rookies involved in the offense but far too often he’s just looking to dominate the ball and get his opportunities for himself.
I’m not a big Kuzma fan myself, and would be happy to see him traded. The hope would be that he can get healthy and show something first, because the contract structure is only valuable if it’s attached to someone playable.
That’s fair. It just sucks that it comes at the expense of one of their best young players. Bilal has a lot to offer to the Wizards and Wizards fandom. A talented guy who plays hard on both ends and is hungry for opportunity.
@scruffmcgruff: Poole isn’t as bad about that as Kuzma, because unlike Kuz, he can play without the ball pretty well. Poole’s willing to play off his younger contemporaries as a finisher or shooting threat. If anything, Brogdon is worse, because he needs the ball to be at his best, even if he’s solid without it. Poole is arguably *better* as a space-and-pace weapon rather than as a ball-handler.
I don’t think Kuz or Val will net a first Rd pick and Wiz have a million 2nds already
Their best bet is to find a Rfa player they believe in whoes being blocked somewhat that they can give some Pt too
Moody is poisoned pill but would be a good example- Max Christie (who is not) is another good example – I think Max JHS and 3 2nds nets Val, could it be topped sure, but Idk that it would/will . Ofc they’d have to like Max’s potential
Moody’s poison pill means he’s locked in for this season on GSW, but the second the season is over his name goes to the trade table with the rest of the non-Curry roster lol.
He can be traded this year its just so much trickier
Funny. Davey J has been crowing about everyone on the Warriors roster, except for Podziemski. Now, a few losses at the beginning of the season, he wants to trade everyone. We know he is pining away for Bronny James.
On the other hand, none of those veterans are in high demand, the team already has more second round picks coming up than it can develop or roster, they play in a league with a salary minimum, and it won’t help the youngsters to lose by 50 every night…All in all, I’m pretty pleased with what I’ve seen this year and have come around to the idea that getting some seconds for Beal was a “fine” outcome to a horrible situation/contract. There are no veterans who shouldn’t be tradable, but trading any of them is not really all that important.
100% agree with Val, probably worth more than he nets
Disagree with Kuz- See Eons post above, he’s a cone in the road today
Of the bunch, I agree that Kuzma is the one I’d most like to see traded. I do think that would open some things up. But keeping in mind that the guys that would end up with more minutes/touches are 19-20 years old, it isn’t something that absolutely has to happen.
Funny. I guess they realize nobody wants Jordan Poole.