The Washington Wizards are approaching a firesale after a 3-19 start to the season.
Washington elected to add multiple veterans to the roster over the offseason in addition to bring back Kyle Kuzma who is one of the longest tenured Wizards left on the roster. However, after a horrid start to the season, a complete roster shake up could be on the horizon for the Eastern Conference team in D.C.
Of the many veterans the Wizards have to offer, Kuzma is the one name that is seemingly the most brought up in rumors, and understandably so. The 29-year-old wing is an explosive scorer, underrated passer and he could be an immediate boost to a contending team.
According to ESPN's lead insider Shams Charania, "several contenders" are expected to have interest in Kuzma. After nearly being dealt last season to the Dallas Mavericks, it seems the writing is on the wall for the forward's time in Washington to be nearing an end.
That said, here's the top three squads that could make sense as a trade partner for the Wizards and Kuzma.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers could be prepared to go in a full circle if they make the move to land Kuzma back in Los Angeles after trading him to the Wizards years ago. However, the team is in a different state of roster construction and they could view the former Utah product as the player to get them back over the hump as LeBron James window in LA seems to be coming to an end soon.
Sacramento Kings
The Kings were a team that were heavily linked to Kuzma during the offseason before landing star forward DeMar DeRozan. However, even after adding the former Bulls forward, the team still explored avenues to bring in Kuzma before ultimately deciding to head into the season with what they had.
Now, after an inconsistent start to the season, they could revisit the Kuzma trade with hopes to add more offensive firepower in a conference that's full of it.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors have been determined to add a star alongside Stephen Curry as the team desperately seeks a return to contention. After their start to the season, they seemed like their current roster could be in line to do just that. However, after a rough stretch over the past month, it's clear the Warriors need to make a move if they hope to make a run.
While Kuzma may not be a home run acquisition like the Warriors are looking for, he could blossom in Steve Kerr's system.