Washington Wizards: 3 potential trades for full roster teardown

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 26: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards sits with teammate Kristaps Porzingis #6 on the bench against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 26, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 26: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards sits with teammate Kristaps Porzingis #6 on the bench against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on March 26, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Kyle Kuzma is most likely going to warrant a multi-year deal worth over $20 million annually this offseason. Even though the Wizards have the capacity to offer him this sort of a deal, tying up valuable cap space for a Kuzma-type scorer is a luxury for a team like the Wizards. Kuzma’s ability to create his own shot and score, while defending reasonably on the other end is a more valuable skill set for a team trying to contend, like the Dallas Mavericks.

Kuzma fits perfectly next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as the third scoring option. He will be effective going up against weaker defenders while the attention is on the star backcourt duo. Dallas also desperately needs forward-sized defenders who can take on tough assignments on defense. Kuzma is not the greatest option there but is better than the alternative on the Mavs roster.

Delon Wright is the point-of-attack defender Dallas needs, who can plug the holes on defense caused by Irving and Doncic’s deficiencies. He is a wonderful fit to come off the bench or play alongside the two.

In exchange for giving up two valuable rotation pieces, the Wizards get the #10 pick in this year’s draft. This would give Washington another chance in the lottery to find its next franchise building block.

Davis Bertans also returns to Washington, included in this deal for salary-matching purposes. His contract is expiring next summer, helping the Wizards open up more cap space.