The Washington Wizards are expected to be busy this summer, as they will look to rebuild their team through the NBA Draft. Having the No. 2 and 26 picks is a good place to start, but rumor has it they are keen on getting another first-round pick in this upcoming draft.
One of the ways for them to do so would likely involve a trade package with Kyle Kuzma, who is ‘expected to be coveted’ again on the trade market by rival teams, in it, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The Washington Wizards were close to dealing Kyle Kuzma during the February trade deadline, with the Dallas Mavericks as one of his notable suitors, but the team held on to him.
“There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me,” Kuzma said in February. “(Michael) Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn’t want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it.”
Kyle Kuzma has three more years left on his current deal, where he will earn an annual salary of at least $20 million before hitting unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2027.
The one-time NBA champion was one of the brightest spots for the Washington Wizards in 2023-24, averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 46.3 percent shooting from the floor in 70 regular-season games.
What are the Washington Wizards’ options in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The latest ESPN mock draft has the Washington Wizards using their No. 2 and 26 picks to get Zaccharie Risacher and Justin Edwards. However, if, for some reason, Alex Sarr isn’t picked by the Atlanta Hawks with the top overall pick, Washington would surely draft him.
If the Washington Wizards succeed in acquiring another first-round pick, they may have to consider drafting Nikola Topic to shore up their backcourt.
Tyus Jones is entering unrestricted free agency, this summer and although he expressed his desire to stay in DC, he will attract significant interest in the market.