Like any other NBA team, the Washington Wizards are scoping ways to readjust or improve their roster. The Wizards have their sights set on landing an impact player, particularly at point guard. So much so Washington may be ready to part ways with two popular players if need be.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, the Wizards have been willing to discuss Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in trade conversations.
Washington has shown interest in Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon, San Antonio Spurs Dejounte Murray and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Kuzma’s name being involved in Wizards trade talks comes as a huge surprise. After four lukewarm seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma appeared to find a new home with the Wizards.
Last season he averaged 17.1 points, his highest average since the 2018-19 season. He also had career-highs of 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 66 games.
However, if the Wizards are going to swing for a home run, Kuzma is arguably their biggest asset sans Bradley Beal. Packaging Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope for Murray or Gilgeous-Alexander makes sense.
Moving one or both for a lower-tier player like Brogdon could be a hard sale to the Wizards fanbase.
Both Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope are on expiring contracts. Caldwell-Pope is owed just over $14 million which becomes fully guaranteed on June 28 if he is not waived beforehand. Kuzma is set to make $13 million in 2022-23.
Many assumed Washington wanted to land a notable point guard to combine with Beal and Kuzma at the least. However, it appears the Wizards are prepared to move forward without Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope.
