The Washington Wizards entered the season with low expectations, but even their 2-16 start to the season may have been worst than what anybody expected from this Washington team.
Washington spent the offseason retooling with the acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon and the free agency signing of Jonas Valanciunas to pair around their young core. In addition, the team opted to bring back one of the longest tenured Wizards in Kyle Kuzma.
The move to retain Kuzma seemed to lean on the idea that he could be an instant spark for the Wizards and help Brian Keefe's young squad remain competitive. However, through the start of the season, that hasn't been the case. In fact, it's neary been the opposite.
The 29-year-old is averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists, while shooting 42% from field goal range and 27.6% from beyond the arc. Up to this point in the season, this has been the worst Kuzma has looked since joining the Wizards in 2021. In addition to his inconsistencies on the court, the veteran hasn't served as a leader throughout the start of the year from the outside looking in.
Aside from his rough start to the season, there's more reasons to move him than there is to keep him. And the biggest reason may just be for the team to get a look at the players behind Kuzma who could be a big part of the team's rebuild in coming years.
With young players like Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and even Carlton Carrington in the need of more playing time, it just seems to make more sense for not only their development with the Wizards, but for the team to see what each player could become. With a pivotal offseason incoming, getting a glance at the positions of need is much needed for general manager Will Dawkins.
In addition to the young core needing the increased playing time, the team has no reason to stand pat with Kuzma on the roster, especially considering his play is actively driving down his trade value.
The Wizards could opt to offload Kuzma's contract with the opportunity to bring in other young players, reclamation projects and draft capital as the offseason seems to be the main focus moving forward.
And with the Wizards expected to be active before the trade deadline, it only makes sense for Kuzma to headline the multiple trade assets that Washington has to offer come February.