Big trade news has hit the streets of D.C.. The Washington Wizards have been in the news as of late with Kyle Kuzma reportedly wanting to be shipped out to a contender, or leave in free agency. However, they chose to move a different player and that is the former top 10 pick, Rui Hachimura.
Finalized deal: Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Nunn, 2023 second via Chicago, 2029 LA second and and less favorable of 2028 Washington/LA seconds, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2023
The Wizards didn’t get back much for a young player who is entering restricted free agency. Hachimura is not yet a great player, but he is nice plug-in starter, or backup forward. The reasoning for this trade has many layers, but one of which was Rui not being able to work out an extension prior to the start of the season.
This led to speculation of a trade at some point during the season. That speculation became heightened over the last few days with interesting comments coming from Rui Hachimura himself.
“I just want to be somewhere that wants me as a basketball player” - Rui Hachimura postgame on rumors of a potential trade from the Washington Wizards. pic.twitter.com/XSVWWFPvUT
— Wayne Cole (@waynec0le) January 22, 2023
The writing was on the wall, but the issue for Wizards fans shouldn’t be the trade itself, but more of the endless cycle of chasing mediocrity.
This still does not mean Kuzma stays with the Wizards.
With Rui Hachimura now gone, that should take care of getting Kuzma to re-sign, or so you would think. Unfortunately, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. It is clear the Wizards love Kuzma (fans do as well), but we know what he wants, and the Wizards simply cannot provide that.
Hachimura and the Wizards were unable to agree on a rookie extension prior to the season and trade became more likely as Kyle Kuzma solidified himself as a priority to sign to a long-term deal in the Wizards front court.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2023
They are desperate to convince Kuzma to stay, but his decision isn’t that difficult. He wants LA or a true contender, neither of which describe the Wizards. Kuzma simply doesn’t want to be a Wizard anymore, which all of the fans can fully understand. Unfortunately, the organization can’t seem to grasp that concept.
That concept is something the Wizards struggle with. They struggle with logic and reality. The logic is to trade Kuzma and work with Rui since Kuzma is worth more. Reality would be to know that you are ways away from being a contender and the roster needs to be blown up.
The possibility of losing Kuzma and Rui for nothing is as close to a guarantee because we know how this organization operates. We are accustomed to the mediocrity or the chase of it. This team is not good enough to compete with the Utah Jazz, or OKC Thunder, both of whom were trying to tank the season.
This team is going nowhere and if the mindset doesn’t change by the deadline, then there is no hope for the future. If Kristaps Porzingis continues to play at a high level, then expect him to leave for nothing, or get hurt and re-sign for $200 million.
When will the cycle ever end?