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Grade the trade proposal: Wizards deal Kuzma for a shooter and a pick

ByCem Yolbulan|
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 28: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Capital One Arena on October 28, 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)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 28: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Capital One Arena on October 28, 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)

The Indiana Pacers are known to be interested in a forward to help them take the next step forward and into the playoffs. They have been rumored in Pascal Siakam trades, and regularly mentioned as potential suitors for Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently identified Kuzma as one of the top three trade targets for the Pacers. What would a Kuzma trade between the two teams look like?

The fit for Indiana is apparent. Kuzma is just now entering his prime, he is on a reasonable contract, and the Pacers desperately need a wing with size. They are one starter away from being a dangerous playoff team. Kuzma could be that starter.

For the Wizards, parting ways with Kuzma means taking another step back. But, presumably, both sides and the fans knew about the possibility of Kuzma being traded after he re-signed a 4-year contract with a rebuilding team. If the Wizards receive a young player of interest and a first-round pick in such a deal, they would gladly trade Kuzma, especially since it would likely mean bottoming out this season and increasing their lottery odds.

A trade machination that makes sense for both sides looks like this:

Indiana gets their guy, and the Wizards land sharpshooter Buddy Hield who is on an expiring contract, Aaron Nesmith, an intriguing wing with some two-way potential, and a protected first-round pick from the Pacers.

In this scenario, the Wizards can choose to re-sign Hield at the end of his contract or let him sign with another team and open up even more cap space. Nesmith will also need a new contract but he is worth keeping around as he can provide much-needed athleticism and shooting potential from the wing position.

The most important asset the Wizards receive in this proposed deal is the first-round pick. Depending on the protections of the pick, this could be a very valuable draft asset. Potentially adding another lottery pick into the coffers would be very important for the future of the Wizards.

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