Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and maybe Zion Williamson are all perceived to be on the trade block. While we will talk about Zion tomorrow, Butler and Ingram are a couple of highly sought-after players who could affect the Wizards’ attempts to maximize any trade involving Kyle Kuzma. Two important factors could either harm or help the Wizards. Let’s get into the first and most obvious one, contract.
Factor #1 - Contract value
From the jump, Kyle Kuzma has the advantage over Butler and Ingram due to him having a very team-friendly contract. He’s in the second year of a four-year deal that decreases every season. He’s set to earn $23.5 million this season but then it drops to $21.4 and then $19.3 million. Again a very team-friendly contract. Butler has one year left with a player option but it’s the amount that is the issue. He makes $48 million this season and if he enacts his player option, it raises to $52.4 million. Good Lord. That’s a lot of money for a guy who is no doubt an All-Star talent but at the age of 35, he wouldn’t be a long-term move and you would tie up your cap space in the meantime.
Brandon Ingram is 27 years old so he would be a very attractive trade piece but he’s on an expiring contract so if you acquire him, you would have to sign him to a long-term contract and he will no doubt command a max deal. That would be an option for a team that needs a young star to lead your team or complement an existing star. Due to his contract, I give Kuzma the advantage with this factor, unless you’re sure Ingram is worth a max contract and could be a pillar for your team.
Factor #2 - Role
When it comes to who has the advantage, it comes down to what you want. If you want a guy who can be a 4th or 5th option and be a good microwave scorer on a contender, Kuzma is your guy. If you want a player who is a fringe All-Star and is heading into his prime, Ingram is your guy. If you’re a team, like the Lakers, whose championship window is closing and needs a big push without long-term commitment, grab Butler.
All three players have tremendous value and could fit a lot of teams. It comes down to finding the right situation and fit. While Butler and Ingram will affect Kuzma’s trade value to a certain degree, he has his advantages in his own right and should get a good return. The question is, will the Wizards get their asking price of two 1st round picks? We’ll see but don’t get your hopes up.
