NBA Rumors: 3 Likely Landing Spots For Kyle Kuzma At Trade Deadline

The Washington Wizards are in rebuild mode, and they're starting from the bottom. There's certainly no need for them to continue paying Kyle Kuzma an average of $22 million over the next three seasons after this one. A trade is a near certainty.

But it will be costly for the acquiring team. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein,  if the Wiz are to deal Kuz, they want a better return, as far as draft capital, than the Toronto Raptors got for Pascal Siakam—that was three first-rounders... But two of those in the much-maligned upcoming 2024 Draft. 

Kuzma has posted career-best averages so far this season of 21.8 points per game and 4.4 assists, plus 6.5 rebounds.

So which teams are looking at paying up for Kuzma at the deadline? Here are four top landing spots:

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks need an upgrade at power forward to be a serious contender, and Kuzma could provide it. Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is mutual interest, and he sees the Mavs offering Washington its 2027 first-round pick and Toronto’s 2025 second-round pick, and/or a player asset out of the group of Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Josh Green or Jaden Hardy. 

Golden State Warriors

Is it time to break up the gang in Golden State? Rumors emerging on Tuesday say they're open to a shake-up and ready to part with anybody not named Steph Curry. Kuzma would be a huge scoring upgrade at the power forward spot. But they might have to sacrifice one of Jonathan Kuminga or Moses Moody, along with salary filler. 

Sacramento Kings

The Kings have been interested in Kuzma for years, and were apparently trying to land him in free agency last summer before he re-upped with the Wizards. Sac has had to stick with Harrison Barnes instead, who they've been trying to unload in numerous deals over the past year or two. Barnes is having his worst season scoring-wise in 9 years, averaging just 11.9 points, and a career-worst 2.9 rebounds. The Kings would love to make something happen here, throwing in Barnes, a pick and perhaps a young player if absolutely necessary.

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