Kyle Kuzma was one of the biggest names on the trade block over the winter but ultimately didn’t get moved. His biggest suitors, the Dallas Mavericks, acquired his teammate Daniel Gafford, along with PJ Washington from the Hornets to revamp their roster.
Kuzma revealed to The Athletic that Wizards president Michael Winger told him that a deal to send him to the Mavericks was in place, with Winger leaving the decision up to him. The 2020 champion declined the trade for the chance to build something in Washington.
“There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me. 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.”
Kuzma elaborated on why he didn’t want to go to Dallas, claiming he wasn’t motivated by competing for a playoff spot and that their timelines didn’t line up.
“In my career, I won a championship. So, I understand that when we play this game of basketball it’s not about contending for a playoff spot. It’s about contending for an NBA championship. There’s only like three or four contenders — true contenders. I just felt like our timelines didn’t line up.”
Kuzma is averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on a hopeless Wizards team, which could end the season as the worst in the NBA. The Wizards aren’t anywhere close to being on a championship timeline, so choosing to build there at age 28 as compared to taking a smaller role on a contender like Dallas is a questionable decision.
Are Players Avoiding The Mavericks?
This is the second major name to have passed on joining Dallas over the winter. Spencer Dinwiddie chose the Lakers over returning to the Mavericks, the team with which he had the best run of his career. His explanation was cryptic, making a confusing parental analogy as to why he chose the Lakers. With Kuzma publicly saying he doesn’t think the Mavericks are contenders, it’s a bleak admission of how the league sees the Mavericks amidst a five-game winning streak.
Even last season, Dallas saw Terrence Ross pass on signing with them and join the Phoenix Suns instead.
Dallas will be pleased with the players they got, as PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford have both had strong moments in their opening two games with the franchise. Using the assets, they would have sent Washington for Kuzma to get two players might be the better call, as the Mavs are looking more complete with these additions.
Both Dinwiddie and Kuzma avoiding Dallas will start a conversation about players playing with Doncic. Contrary to public opinion, Luka is enjoying the lowest usage rate of his career outside his rookie season at 35.7% and is averaging a career-high in assists with 9.6.
Gafford and Washington’s early success in Dallas shows how players can shine next to Luka. Irving has repeatedly spoken about how much he enjoys playing with Doncic, and former teammates such as Jalen Brunson also speak fondly of him.
The best way for Luka to respond is by leading Dallas to another deep playoff run similar to what he did in 2022. This year’s roster is objectively deeper and the Mavericks will back themselves to shock the West, especially with their new strengths.
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