Following their 2021 First-Round loss at the hands of the 76ers, Wizards star point guard Russell Westbrook made it known to Owner Ted Leonsis and the GM at the time Tommy Sheppard, that he wanted a trade back home to LA. In return for Russ returning home to the West Coast, the Lakers sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma. While KCP and Harrell are long gone from the district, Kyle Kuzma made himself a home in DC but the question is, has he out-stayed his welcome?
Kyle Kuzma became a complete player in DC. Going from a young role player to a veteran scoring wing. Known to love the DC area and even own two restaurants in the area, Kyle Kuzma invested in himself and the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia). He was productive on the court and gave back off as well. He was active in the communities of the DC area and his hometown of Flint, Michigan. That’s why he came back on a new 4-year contract that was front-loaded to help the team eventually move him. Now he didn’t get the offers that he expected which is another reason he stayed but let’s stay positive here. He has been good in and for DC.
Fast forward to last season. The Wizards Front Office of Michael Winger and Will Dawkins had a deal in place with the Dallas Mavericks at the deadline but they wanted to know how he felt about the deal. Wrong move. He declined and stayed in DC. You could also argue that the Wizards had a prime chance to move him at the NBA Draft with a chance to obtain the 13th pick from the Kings, still draft Bub Carrington, and retain Deni Avdija but nothing materialized. Heading into the offseason, it was believed that the asking price for Kuzma was two first-round picks. Oh boy, how that will change.
At the halfway point of the 2024-2025 NBA season, the asking price has changed to One 1st round pick as we head into the Trade Deadline. This season, Kuzma has not only dealt with a dip in his production, he has dealt with multiple injuries. His trade value has dipped to the point where the Wizards are wondering whether they can even get a 1st round pick at all. This brings up a good question, will Kyle Kuzma be on the roster after the Trade Deadline?
The Wizards have two choices, trade Kuzma for a package that they will not like, or keep him and test the waters in the offseason. They may want to keep him. There is no clear replacement at Power Forward unless they want to give Bagley or Champagnie a chance at the four. His contract is very team friendly as well so the Wizards have some hard choices to make in the next two weeks and beyond. All eyes are on the Front Office and what direction they decide to go but understand one thing, whatever choice they make is a big one that could either shorten or extend the rebuild. Make your choices wisely, the whole city is watching.
