1 Offseason task Wizards must complete that will upset fans

The Washington Wizards have not made the playoffs since 2021, but they are only entering year two of a total rebuild. Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis were traded in the summer of 2023. It resulted in a 15-win season and the second pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Washington should add a young building block, but that cannot be all the franchise accomplishes this summer.

The Wizards have three picks in 2024 and could acquire more. Adding young talents and draft capital should be their top priority. Washington also has a key decision on the future of Tyus Jones. Their starting point guard is a free agent, and the Wizards do not have another lead ball-handler on their roster.

Fans should expect trades this summer, and this one must happen. It will upset Wizards fans and make the 2024-25 campaign rough, but it is crucial in building a contender in the nation’s capital.

Wizards must trade Kyle Kuzma this offseason

Fans hear the rumors, and reports suggest Kuzma could have been traded to the Mavericks (subscription required) before the deadline. The 6'9 forward declined when president Michael Winger presented him with the deal. Dallas made other moves and reached the NBA Finals. Kuzma had his shot to play for a contender but is happy in Washington. He is a fan favorite, but there is little time for that in the face of a rebuild.

The 28-year-old should be in the middle of his prime and just produced the best numbers of his career. Kuz averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 32.6 minutes per game last season. He was Washington’s leading scorer, but that won’t be the case if he switches teams.

The Wizards would get at least one first-round draft pick and young talent in return for Kyle Kuzma, which they need. They are at least three years away from seriously contending. Kuzma will be 32 years old and exiting his prime before Washington gets back to the playoffs.

He is at best a number three of a title challenger right now. Do the Wizards want to lock in that piece when they have no answers for the top two options? That makes no sense. The franchise would be better off maximizing his trade value and getting pieces that fit their timeline.

There will be plenty of offers this offseason. Every team is searching for versatile wing talent. Kuzma won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 and has improved significantly over the last four years. He could be a crucial piece for a contender as the Wizards stockpile assets.

Washington needs more draft capital. They owe their first-round pick to the Knicks in 2025 with a top-ten protection. The Wizards do not have a selection from another franchise until the Warriors pick in 2030. Most teams in a total rebuild have significantly more draft capital, which is another reason to trade Kyle Kuzma as soon as possible.

The Washington Wizards face a crucial offseason, and trading their leading scorer is just one key piece. They must nail the draft and find ways to add young talent. Tough times are ahead for the franchise, but it could lead to a promising roster if fans are willing to wait.