The Golden State Warriors have captured four of the last nine NBA championships and could aim for a fifth by acquiring another NBA champion, Kyle Kuzma.
In a September 12 article, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus identified Kuzma as a realistic trade target for the Warriors and detailed how such a trade could be executed.
“If the Warriors are hesitant to pay Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, they might consider trading them to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. The deal would also likely involve Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II, and although roster space would be a challenge for the Wizards with the influx of players, it’s feasible with some strategic adjustments.”
Pincus further outlined how the Warriors could avoid surpassing the NBA’s first tax apron.
“Kuzma has $3.1 million in unlikely incentives, but adding the one-time NBA champion could allow the Warriors to stay under the first apron this year and next.”
Kuzma, who is entering the second year of his four-year, $90 million contract, has averaged over 20 points per game in the last two seasons and won an NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
Wizards Almost Traded Kyle Kuzma in 2024
The Wizards nearly traded Kyle Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks, according to a report by The Athletic’s Josh Robbins. While a trade was in progress, Kuzma ultimately declined the deal.
Wizards executive Michael Winger informed Kuzma that the framework for a trade to the Mavericks was in place, though Winger himself had reservations about it. Kuzma expressed his desire to stay with the Wizards, telling Winger he wanted to remain and continue building with the team, Robbins reported on February 13.
Kuzma elaborated on the situation, saying, “There was a point in time where Dallas definitely wanted me. Winger explained the trade to me and, even though he didn’t really want to trade me, he kind of left the decision up to me and asked what I wanted. I told him I wanted to stay and build something here, and that was the end of it.”
Kuzma also explained why he wasn’t interested in joining the Mavericks: “In my career, I’ve won a championship, so I understand that basketball isn’t just about making the playoffs; it’s about contending for an NBA title. Only three or four teams are true contenders, and I didn’t think our timelines matched.”
Ironically, the Mavericks went on to reach the NBA Finals and could have benefited from Kuzma’s presence. If the Warriors bounce back from a rough season, they could also use a player like Kuzma—though he may feel the same way about them as he did about the Mavericks.
Kyle Kuzma’s Contract Has Appeal
Although Kuzma still has three years remaining on his contract, his salary decreases each year. The Wizards will pay him $23.5 million for the 2024-25 season, but by the final year of his deal, his salary will drop to $19.4 million.
Given that NBA teams often aim to stay below tax thresholds, Kuzma’s combination of talent and a declining contract makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to compete without overspending.
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