Brandon Scott here, the host of the daily Locked On Wizards podcast, with your daily Locked On Wizards newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Wizards and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Did the Wizards misread the market for Kyle Kuzma, and where do they go from here?
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.
A midseason report for seasons to come: part three
Jan 9, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. | Rick Osentoski/Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
I’m far from being an insider (mostly I like sleep too much, and those guys never do), but there’s information you glean just from being proximal to the game. There are trends in questions and answers from coaches and players, plus recurring conversations with fellow media, team staff, scouts and agents. When alongside the pulse of NBA basketball, you pick up its reverberations.
One big, undeniable beat I’ve picked up on this season is the growing awareness that vey soon we’re going to start losing perennial stars. I say “we” and not only the league because the realization really does feel collective. Case in point, when the topic of the Warriors dynasty drawing to a slow, potentially quiet close comes up, it’s never solely in relation to the team.
The decline of Golden State is always held alongside the state of the league as a whole, either what it means for competition or in broader strokes, how the mechanics of the game itself will change without a dominant Steph Curry. And that detail is never explicitly mentioned. Even the most primetime of pundits have a reticence to predict when we’ll see the last of Curry, as if giving it consideration is a kind of jinx.
The counter to that is LeBron James, who cannot be discussed enough in relation to his retirement, but that endless guessing feels safe because James has proved prediction wrong so many times in what were meant to be his quieting seasons.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Washington Wizards’ struggles continue, as an in-depth statistical analysis reveals key areas where the team falters against top-tier opponents like the Lakers. (Bullets Forever)
Replay Bilal Coulibaly showcased resilience in a tough game, but his performance wasn’t enough to prevent the Wizards’ 111-88 loss to the Lakers. Watch highlights of Coulibaly’s bounce-back game. (Bullets Forever)
Rumor Bradley Beal might waive his no-trade clause for the right team, while Kyle Kuzma is open to being moved. These potential trades could reshape the Wizards’ future. Catch the latest trade rumors for more details. (CBS Sports)
Biz Jalen Green becomes the face of his longtime favorite brand, Stone Island. (High Snobriety)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Five NBA Players to Buy Low in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) stands on the court after meeting with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) before the start of the game at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson/Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, it’s time to reassess our fantasy basketball strategies. Today, I’m sharing insights on five players who are prime candidates for “buy low” opportunities in your leagues.
Paolo Banchero tops our list. The Orlando Magic forward is currently the 79th ranked player, well below his potential. His shooting percentages are down, and he’s only averaging 21 points per game since returning from injury. However, I believe Banchero is a top 40 player in points leagues and has room for significant improvement. Don’t be fooled by his current struggles – this is an excellent time to acquire him at a discount.
Next up is Evan Mobley. The Cleveland Cavaliers big man is dealing with a calf strain, which has impacted his recent performance. His defensive stats and usage are down, but this presents a perfect buy-low scenario. Mobley is a third-round talent you might be able to snag for a fourth-round price. While there’s some injury risk, the potential reward outweighs it.
