Grade the Trade: Wizards flip Kuzma for a blossoming young guard

The Washington Wizards have not had much luck finding guards in the years since they added Bradley Beal third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Tomas Satoransky, Chasson Randle, Shabazz Napier, Isaiah Thomas, Spencer Dinwiddie; none have been the answer for the Wizards in stocking the backcourt. Johnny Davis, the 10th pick in this last summer’s draft, has not looked the part of an NBA player thus far in his career.

Where the Wizards have had more luck is in the frontcourt, where they have added, developed and rehabilitated a number of players. Kyle Kuzma is one such player, a role player on the Los Angeles Lakers who has blossomed into a 20-point scorer this season.

The Washington Wizards could trade Kyle Kuzma for a young guard to develop.

Kuzma can become an unrestricted free agent this summer and has already indicated he wants to play for a team that is not Washington next season. They can certainly offer him a lot of money to stay, but he will ultimately have control over whether he re-signs with the Wizards or goes elsewhere. It would be bitter to lose him for nothing.

With that in mind, one way for the Wizards to ensure compensation and help themselves at their weak point is to trade Kyle Kuzma now for help at guard. If the Wizards are honest with themselves about their timetable and don’t make a blockbuster trade with Kuzma, finding a young guard to develop would be the right move. Let’s look at a potential trade that would help to accomplish that goal.