4 potential Kyle Kuzma deals if the Wizards decide to sign-and-trade him

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 18: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards dunks the ball against the Miami Heat during the second half at Capital One Arena on November 18, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Los Angeles Lakers

Another Western Conference playoff team who should presumably be interested in Kuzma’s services is the team that drafted him: The Los Angeles Lakers.

Kuzma is already a beloved figure in Los Angeles and won a championship ring with the franchise in 2020. He is a wonderful fit for what the Lakers need this offseason.

The conference finalists Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets because they weren’t able to score enough to keep up with Denver’s high-powered offense. They were lacking in shot-creators and shot-makers. Kuzma could help alleviate those issues.

In return, the Wizards receive Jarred Vanderbilt, who is on a very team-friendly contract, paying him only $4.6 million for next season. He is also a very solid defensive player who should continue to improve. He is only 24 years old and can be a long-term piece for the Wizards.

Mo Bamba is an expiring contract that helps match salaries in this deal. Washington can still take a look at him to see if he can be a contributor in the long run.

Most importantly, the Wizards can get a 2029 1st round pick from the Lakers. Depending on the protections negotiated in the deal, this could be a juicy pick considering Lebron James and Anthony Davis will likely have retired.

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