NBA Rumors: West Contender to Discuss Kyle Kuzma Trade

The Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards are expected to resume talks for forward Kyle Kuzma this offseason, according to Action Network’s Matt Moore. The teams have been rumored to have been discussing deals involving Kuzma since last summer.

Kings Discuss Kyle Kuzma Trade

For the Kings, the motivation for acquiring Kuzma is simple.

As a go-to scorer with playmaking skills, he can lighten the load for De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. He can also do damage from the perimeter, converting 39.1 percent of his career corner 3s. Since he isn’t the best threat off the ball, there will be a “my turn, your turn” foul. Still, because of how his passing ability can mesh with Fox’s growth as a three-point shooter and Sabonis’ three-point scoring, they will enjoy putting the ball in his hands.

The importance of Zaccharie Risacher

If the Wizards ultimately select Zaccharie Risacher in the 2024 NBA Draft, Kuzma will likely become more viable.

Washington already has three other starting-caliber forwards in their rotation: Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert and Bilal Coulibaly. However, Risacher has the best parts of their skills and few of their weaknesses. Moreover, Kispert is in the final year of his contract, in 2024-2025. In fact, while Kispert is the most efficient three-point threat in their forward rotation, he is also the worst defender of the group. As a result, he is likely considered expendable, especially if they can replace him with a player of Risacher’s skill set.

Finally, the French connection is obvious. Coulibaly has even spoken to his compatriot and potential teammate and said that Risacher ‘has a lot of talent’. If Coulibaly and Risacher are the Wizards’ future wings, their defense will help Washington reach the playoffs.

The Deni Avdija variable

None of this means they will trade Kuzma. However, with Avdija’s growth in the second half of the 2023-24 season, he may have earned his spot as a full-time starter. After averaging 13.8 points per game prior to the All-Star Break, he averaged 17.1 points per game afterward. Either number would have been good enough for a career-high. With more responsibility and continued development, the Wizards can transform him into a legitimate volume scorer.

What the Kings have to offer

The Kings’ proposed trade package of Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter and draft compensation won’t make or break the roster, especially if they draft Risacher. However, there is no doubt that Sacramento would get the best offensive player. While Kuzma averaged 22.2 points and 4.2 assists per game last season, Barnes scored 12.2 points per game and Huerter finished with less than that (10.2 points per game). Additionally, due to Barnes’ age (32), he could request a buyout to join a contender.

Essentially, Huerter is the only player guaranteed to play a role in their future affairs.

Kevin Huerter will help, no matter what

Whether Jordan Poole is capable or ready to lead the team at point guard is still unknown. At this point, he just seems more comfortable and natural in a sixth-man role. Conversely, Huerter’s off-ball shooting is ideal for a team that ranked 25th in 3-point percentage last season (.348). Huerter, a sharpshooter, has converted 38.2 percent of his 3s over the course of his career. So he was able to start and dramatically improve the team’s play.

However, for the sake of discussion, Huerter says he will come off the bench behind Coulibaly.

A perimeter unit of Poole, Coulibaly, Risacher and Avdija has plenty of shooting potential. Their ceiling is so much higher with Huerter coming in to spell Coulibaly, Risacher or Avdija, all of whom have been streaky jump shooters throughout their basketball journey. Because of the positional flexibility of that trio, Huerter can serve as two guards, while the other two men are the forward spots. That said, while he could start, he’s also a great safety net for the bench.

Ultimately, he helps the wizards no matter what.