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This trade sending Kuzma to Memphis is a winner for the Wizards

By Cem Yolbulan

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 29: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on January 29, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 29: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on January 29, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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As all signs point to an active offseason in Washington, the trade rumors surrounding the Wizards are picking up. The impending free agencies of Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, combined with the news coming out of the Wizards front office that a rebuild may be coming, makes both Kuzma and Porzingis vulnerable to trade rumors.

If Kuzma were indeed on the trade block, he would likely garner significant interest as his size, versatility, and scoring are hard to come by for contending teams.  Wings who can credibly defend multiple positions, space the floor and act as secondary playmakers aren’t usually available. The scarcity of Kuzma-like players makes him a desirable target for many teams.

According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, one of these teams could be the Memphis Grizzlies. Swartz proposes a trade idea that sends Kyle Kuzma to the Memphis Grizzlies via a sign-and-trade. Washington in return receives Brandon Clarke, Jake LaRavia, and a 2023 first-round pick (No. 25 overall) from Memphis.

The feasibility of this trade hinges on the contract Kuzma is going to receive this offseason. If Washington can retain Kuzma for a contract that’s in the $20-25 million per year ballpark, they could get a similar or better trade package for him later into his deal. At that point, it might make more sense to keep him. However, if it looks like it will require a much larger contract to keep him in DC, it makes more sense for the Wizards to get the best deal they can get now.

This Memphis trade seems like a pretty good deal for both sides. LaRavia didn’t get much playing time in the deep, stacked Grizzlies team last season, but he was the 19th overall pick a year ago and has some potential as a versatile offensive forward. Clarke is recovering from an Achilles injury that ended his season prematurely, but he is a quality big man with solid athleticism and fantastic offensive rebounding ability. The additional first-round pick in this year’s draft is a great way for the Wizards to build their asset base during their rebuild by rolling the dice on another prospect they like in this year’s strong draft class.

As valuable as Kuzma is, he provides more value to a contender than to a rebuilding team. At the end of the day, he is a volume scorer who needs the ball, and the Wizards’ priority needs to be giving the ball to their young players. If they can get a value similar to this Grizzlies package- two late-first-rounders and a rotation player- Washington needs to seriously consider it.

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