Never make assumptions about how the NBA will play out. A situation may seem obvious. You might think you know what a team is going to do. Ultimately, you might be wrong.
Look at the Washington Wizards. Fans expected them to move Kyle Kuzma on the trade deadline. They did not do it. Do the Wizards plan to hang on to Kuzma for the long haul?
We’re not sure. Wizards can view Kuzma as a foundational piece. On the other hand, they may have simply been reacting to a buyer’s market. Could they send Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks this summer?
NBA trade proposal
Washington Wizards receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F Josh GreenG Jaden HardyF Olivier-Maxence Prosper2026 First Round Pick (Trade – DAL)
The Dallas Mavericks receive: F Kyle Kuzma
At this year’s deadline, we had a buyer’s market. So, the Mavericks bought. They may have been the biggest spenders at the deadline.
Dallas brought PJ Washington And Daniel Gafford. Each of these transactions was justifiable. The Mavericks have a chance to win an NBA title, so they have invested their assets in improving their team.
NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Will they regret their decision? Time will tell us. The stakes are now high for Dallas. If they disappoint in this year’s playoffs, they could miss out on some of those strengths. Do they even have enough for Kuzma?
Why the Washington Wizards are making the deal
We will see. Let’s assume the Wizards are willing to move Kuzma this summer. They might get a better deal than this. At the same time, this may not be the case.
After all, Kuzma has an expensive long-term contract. As good as he is, he’s obviously not a high-level player – look at where the Wizards are in the standings. This team may or may not land an unprotected prime in exchange for Kuzma.
NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks Updates
If they can’t find one, three young players and a trade should be enough. Hardy has star potential, and Green and Prosper are both players who could be in Washington’s rotation for years. Should the Mavericks part ways with him?
Why the Dallas Mavericks are making the deal
The Mavericks can’t worry about draft capital. It’s too late for that. If they are forced to rebuild, it will mean that Luka Doncic issued an exchange request. Dallas can then replenish its project capital.
In the meantime, they must continue to improve their squad. Kuzma would be a solid improvement. He would be a sensible third option behind Doncic and Kyrie Irving for this team.
NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks Updates
After all, Kuzma has tertiary skills beyond his blueprint creation. He is a capable defender and a connective passer. He could be the Mavericks’ missing piece – assuming he’s even available.