Grade the Trade: ESPN pitches Wizards trade with Lakers

The Washington Wizards have been adamant about wanting to keep Kyle Kuzma. The 27-year-old forward and lover of jumpers both 3-point and pink can be a free agent this summer and is in the midst of his best season yet, averaging over 21 points per game for a team hit hard by injuries.

If Kuzma chooses to hit free agency he will be an unrestricted free agent, meaning the Wizards can do nothing to stop him if he leaves for another team. They could offer Kuzma enough money to entice him to stay, but that presents different problems down the road. The other option, of course, is to trade him now.

The Washington Wizards have to decide whether or not to trade Kyle Kuzma.

Trading Kuzma by the Trade Deadline ensures the Wizards will not lose him for nothing, and it opens up options for the player himself. He can now decide whether to re-sign with his new team or leave for another one, all while the Wizards have made sure they will not be stuck out in the cold.

One team that is very familiar with Kuzma and could be interested in bringing him back is the Los Angeles Lakers. They are trying to find an upgrade to the starting lineup that can help them this season and next, and Kuzma could be a great fit, whether or not they complete the reported trade for Rui Hachimura.

ESPN’s NBA Insider Bobby Marks recently pitched a trade for the Wizards that would send Kyle Kuzma to the Lakers. What does the trade look like?