Four Kyle Kuzma trades the Washington Wizards should consider
By Josh Felton
The Washington Wizards should consider completing a trade for a star guard from Toronto.
The Washington Wizards manage to nab a star point guard in return for Kyle Kuzma. Fred VanVleet has had a rough start to this year, but his shooting ability is something the Wizards greatly need. If the intention of this franchise is to continue to build around Beal and Porzingis, then VanVleet certainly fulfills that desire. If the Wizards hope to remain in contention after Kuzma, then this trade gives them the best chance to do so.
The Wizards have not had much success at the point guard position since Westbrook was traded. VanVleet could change that as he provides very good three-point shooting at the guard spot and gives the Wizards the opportunity to play both him and Beal off-ball. With the addition of former Wizards forward Otto Porter, the spacing gets even better at the wing. The Wizards have lacked offensive creativity this season, perhaps VanVleet’s skillset and Porter’s spacing will provide some versatility on that end.
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As for defense, VanVleet has been top 2 in the entire league in deflections over the past three years. His ability to strip the ball from bigger centers has been crucial to Toronto’s defensive approach. His defense has been critical to the Raptors team as these deflections kickstart the break and gives them easy looks. By adding Porter and VanVleet the Wizards are certainly getting quality pieces back that allow them to stay competitive in the east.
The Toronto Raptors have had no lack of success at the wing in recent years.
If you’ve been following the Toronto Raptors post-Kawhi trade, then you know they’ve been ahead of the curve when it comes to finding long, athletic wings that can shoot and defend. From Scottie Barnes to OG Anunoby, even Chris Boucher, this team is essentially a collection of 6’8 and 6’9 forwards.
Kyle Kuzma’s ability to self create is something the Raptors would absolutely welcome as their halfcourt offense has struggled mightily. They aren’t a guard heavy team anyways, so adding Kuzma is perfect for their roster’s construction.
A starting lineup of Barnes, Anunoby, Siakam, Kuzma, and Achiuwa has the potential to be one of the best defensive starting lineups in basketball with the ability to switch every ball screen and have no glaring weaknesses.