Grade the trade: Wizards add key youngster and draft pick in latest Kyle Kuzma idea

The Washington Wizards are in the early stages of a rebuild and are still determining their core. Kyle Kuzma will be a fixture in trade rumors because he does not fit the franchise’s timeline. Several teams have interest, and he is not the only veteran who will garner interest before the Feb. 6 deadline.

The Wizards had a trade for Kuz (subscription required) before the 2024 deadline but decided against the deal. Washington is in no rush. Kuzma has three years left on his contract, and the franchise wants to maximize his value. His descending contract should only improve his stock as the cap rises, so it will take a significant package to acquire him.

Teams will certainly be calling. Finding a 6’9 forward with a versatile skill set is not easy. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report offered trades to shake up starting fives where he had Kuzma headed to South Beach. Here is a look at the proposed deal and if Washington should be interested.

Wizards send Kyle Kuzma to the Miami Heat in wild proposal

The Heat have struggled to upgrade their roster after last season’s disappointing first-round playoff exit. They did not extend Jimmy Butler and are still figuring out their future. Does Pat Riley see Kuzma as a large enough upgrade to get Miami back into title contention?

This trade would be costly but could help both franchises achieve their goals.

Nikola Jovic is no stranger to trade rumors, and several teams have interest in the 21-year-old. The 6’10 forward has displayed an interesting skill set in his limit run, and the Wizards would love to make him a building block.

They would have to pay nearly $40 million to Duncan Robinson over the next two seasons but would get a young talent and a top-ten protected first-round draft picks. Is that enough for Kyle Kuzma?

Should the Wizards make this Kyle Kuzma trade?

This trade hinges on how much Washington believes in Nikola Jovic. He produced a 0.5 value over replacement player (VORP) and an above-league-average win shares per 48 minutes last season. Can the 21-year-old maintain or improve those numbers in an expanded role? There is certainly hype about the first-round draft pick, but Jovic must realize his potential.

The Heat have made the playoffs five straight years but will look very different by 2030. They could be rebuilding, but this selection is top-ten protected. In the best-case scenario, Washington gets another late lottery pick like the one used to take Bub Carrington in 2024.

Grade: B

The Wizards get a potential piece of their core and a first-round draft pick. The two veterans likely do not make an impact in Washington, but this is not the worst package. Their front office should wait for a better offer, but this is worth considering if nothing larger comes to fruition.

The Washington Wizards will field calls on Kyle Kuzma as long as he remains on their roster. Finding the right deal and maximizing his value is the key. It will take time, but the Wizards have plenty of it. The rumors will keep coming out but do not expect to see Kuz on a new team until February, at the earliest. All fans can do is wait.