The Washington Wizards entered a total rebuild in the 2023 offseason when they traded Kristaps Porzingis and Bradley Beal. It was long overdue as Washington haven’t had a winning record since 2018. They have a few pieces but are in the early stages of finding young talent. The second overall pick in the 2024 draft will be a key addition to their young nucleus.
The Wizards front office has some difficult decisions to make this offseason. Do they sign Tyus Jones long-term? If not, who replaces him at point guard? Washington also has to decide who is part of their core and how to maximize their rebuild. It should put this veteran forward firmly on the trade block.
They shopped Kyle Kuzma before the deadline and nearly traded him to the Mavericks (subscription required). He decided to stay put. Kuz does not become a free agent until 2027, but turns 29 this summer and will be exiting his prime as the Wizards are ready to contend. The 6'8 forward is expected to be on the market again, and these are deals worth taking a hard look at.
5. Kings go for Kuz
The Kings were rumored to be interested in Kuzma before the deadline and will need scoring if Malik Monk departs in free agency. Does it force Sacramento to get aggressive? They have Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes locked in at the forward spots, so acquiring Kuz likely means moving on from HB.
Barnes is a superior shooter, but Kuzma offers more scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. It could be just what the Kings need to get back to the playoffs after a disappointing season. Washington should have interest in this deal.
The Wizards could keep Barnes as a leader of their young roster or flip him for more draft capital. The 6’8 forward saw his minutes and production dip this season, but it is still difficult to find versatile options with his size. There will be interest, and the extra jolt of capital could be the deciding factor for Washington president Michael Winger, who worked under Sam Presti in Oklahoma City for years.
The Kings will not have the only offer, and it could be a surprise team like the Hornets who swoop in with a package that is too good to refuse.
4. Hornets target Kuzma
Charlotte has brand new decision-makers in town. New owners bought the team just over one year ago. They replaced their general manager and head coach after a 21-win season. The Hornets have some pieces, but must drastically improve to get in the playoff mix.
Miles Bridges is a free agent this summer. Expect Charlotte to make an offer, but some team may top it. He was their leading scorer for the majority of the season with LaMelo Ball out, and the Hornets would need a replacement if he leaves. Look no further than Kuzma.
The Wizards get three draft picks and the expiring contract of Bertans. It is risky for Charlotte to give up an unprotected first-round pick. They have some young talent but have not made the playoffs since 2016. Washington may quickly jump at this offer in hopes of their first-rounder becoming a premium selection.
There was much talk about the Wizards' asking price ahead of the trade deadline. They did not find any franchises willing to give up two first-round picks, so getting two seconds and an expiring contract is likely as good as it gets. It is a hefty price for Charlotte to pay given their struggles and uncertainty in turning things around.
3. Jazz become surprise buyers
Utah is in a rebuild but is winning too many games. They had 37 victories in 2023 and 31 last season. The Jazz select tenth in the 2024 NBA Draft and are in danger of getting stuck in the middle. They will continue to develop Taylor Hendricks, Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, and all their young talents, but can Utah get back into the playoff mix?
They have Lauri Markkanen and some talented veterans on their roster. The Jazz should tear things down further this offseason or try to compete. If they decide to improve, Utah may try to trade Jordan Clarkson. It opens up more run for George and could enhance their defense. Kyle Kuzma offers more scoring and size as Utah tries to win.
Utah could create a strong frontcourt with Markkanen, Kuzma, Kessler, Hendricks, and John Collins. They finished 18th in offensive rating last season and need a boost on that end.
The Wizards could flip Clarkson for more draft capital. Trading for a player with value and a pick will allow Washington to maximize their return. Look at the Portland Trail Blazers. They got Jrue Holiday and draft capital in return for Damian Lillard before flipping Holiday to Boston for talent and even more selections. This could be Washington’s best avenue for that type of return.
The Wizards had a deal in place before the deadline before Kuzma declined. Do not be surprised to see them return to talks with that franchise.
2. Mavericks finally get Kuz
Dallas only had one first-round draft pick to trade before the deadline. When the deal for Kuzma fell through, the Mavericks pivoted and acquired P.J. Washington. They were not done. Dallas gave Oklahoma City a swap for a first-round pick this year to get Daniel Gafford from Washington. The Wizards will select 26th and second overall in the first round this year.
With Washington and Gafford locked in, does Dallas try to trade for Kuzma? They are in the conference finals but must upgrade their roster this summer. Tim Hardaway Jr. is currently their sixth man and will be on an expiring contract. The Mavs could certainly get more firepower if they trade for Kuzma.
This trade would have to wait until after the 2024 draft. THJ and Exum would both be on expiring deals. The Wizards could use them as depth or just buy them out. Washington also gets a young 6’8 forward in O-Max. He was a first-round pick in 2023 and would get more run in the nation’s capital.
The Mavs’ 2025 first-round pick opens after the draft because their selection to the Knicks from the Kristaps Porzingis trade finally conveyed this year. Dallas has not been shy about trading their draft capital, so this deal makes a ton of sense for both sides.
The Washington Wizards are light on building blocks, so they may try to add talent when trading Kyle Kuzma.
1. Wizards target Allen
The Cavaliers could be the center of the offseason activity. The Donovan Mitchell trade rumors exploded the moment Cleveland was knocked out. He is extension-eligible this summer. The Cavs cannot afford to let him reach free agency, so trade talks will happen if he declines a fresh contract.
They have an ill-fitting roster behind Mitchell. Darius Garland could be traded if Mitchell stays to split their undersized backcourt. The Cavaliers also have two non-shooting big men. Expect Jarrett Allen to be on the block this summer, and he could be a strong fit if he is willing to lead the rebuild in the nation’s capital.
Allen is only 26 years old and has seven years of NBA experience. The former All-Star is a strong rebounder and rim protector capable of switching onto the perimeter. He would give the Wizards a defensive anchor in the middle and a veteran to lead their young group.
This trade is likely a bit too soon for the Wizards. They need more young building blocks before adding a veteran eager to compete. Still, this trade makes sense in a weak draft. Flipping Kyle Kuzma for Allen makes them younger with more upside. Cleveland wants a power forward to play next to Evan Mobley, and Kuzma could be a strong fit.
Expect Kyle Kuzma to be in trade rumors again this summer. The Washington Wizards should move him and embrace a full rebuild. It will be a difficult couple of years in the nation’s capital, but they will be an exciting young team with upside soon enough. Now, it is all about building.