Kyle Kuzma rumors are real
A market is starting to develop for Washington Wizards small forward Kyle Kuzma. The 27 yr old is having a career year for Washington, averaging 21 points a game, 7 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He is also a free agent this summer so Washington seems motivated to move him. Kuzma has pretty much made it clear he wants to test the market.
He could be a nice pick-up for Milwaukee to continue to add athleticism to their championship run. The Bucks want to be in a position in April to where they have the energy and offense to take on the Celtics. Kuzma would help. The 2018 NBA All-Rookie team selection has just entered into his prime.
Kyle Kuzma doesn’t plan to sign an extension with the Wizards and will decline his player option to become an unrestricted free agent, per @avarwallace.
Kuzma now is likely to become one of the most sought-after trade targets over the next few months. https://t.co/fSYO1PPGLv
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 16, 2022
Related: What hasn’t a Jae Crowder trade happened yet?
What Would a Deal Look like?
For Milwaukee, a couple of different scenarios could exist to get Kuzma in a Milwaukee uniform.
An easy one would be to trade Grayson Allen and Serge Ibaka for him. In this scenario you’d have to believe Kuzma could provide more offensive punch than Allen. Also this scenario basically removes Serge Ibaka from the team which then puts Milwaukee in a position to add an additional back-up center or really place your faith in Sandro Mamukelashvili.
What kind of production can Milwaukee really expect from Ibaka and Allen in a playoff run? The Bucks will need springy, quick shooters who can attack. While Kuzma is a 33% career 3 point shot, Milwaukee would have to hope he could fit into Coach Bud’s system quickly.
A second scenario exists in a 3-team trade. In this one, the Utah Jazz are involved. They would get Johnny Davis while the Wizards would get Allen and Joe Ingles, assuming an Ingles comeback from ACL surgery doesn’t look right.
Is Kuzma worth it?
The idea here is less about the regular season and more about getting Kuzma’s LA Lakers Championship experience for the playoffs. Kuma has a championship ring and really has that spring. To go with Jrue, Middleton, Giannis, Kuzma and Lopez, you’d have quite a bit of offensive firepower.
Speaking of offense, check out this hilarious shot by Kuzma.
VAI DAÍ, KUZMA????pic.twitter.com/jGqYAhOwLH
— NBA do Povo 🏀🇧🇷 (@NBAdoPovo) December 17, 2022
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