The Dallas Mavericks have taken a few right steps after their disastrous 2022-23 season where they finished as the No. 11 seed in the West. They’re having a solid season, currently sitting with a 26-22 record in the No. 8 seed. The lack of size in the Mavs’ frontcourt has troubled them all year and they’re targeting Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards as a possible solution for the same.
“On Kyle Kuzma: a Mavs source I talked to today believes they have the leadership & hierarchy in Dallas to absorb Kuzma as a player & personality as Kuzma, as it was put to me, seems to be a big fan of Jason Kidd who was a Lakers assistant when Kuzma won the NBA title in LA.”
On Kyle Kuzma: a Mavs source I talked today believes they have the leadership & hierarchy in Dallas to absorb Kuzma as a player & personality as Kuzma, as it was put to me, seems to be a big fan of Jason Kidd who was a Lakers assistant when Kuzma won the NBA title in LA #MFFL
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) February 1, 2024
Kuzma is averaging 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists this season. His talents are wasted on the Wizards, as he gets to put up big numbers on a tanking roster. Given his ability to contribute as a high-level role-player or even a star on a winning roster, this move would reinvigorate his career. The Mavericks are a perfect fit for Kuzma, as he would finally fill the hole at starting power forward on the roster.
A possible deal would likely revolve around young prospects such as Josh Green and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The Mavericks have a bunch of multi-year contracts (Richaun Holmes, Maxi Kleber, and Grant Williams) around $12 million, and one of them likely would be salary-filler in this trade.
Naturally, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would be completely off-limits, and the Mavericks have touted Dereck Lively II as an untouchable prospect after drafting the 19-year-old in June 2023. The Mavs have previously protected Josh Green in the Kyrie trade and have high hopes of Omax Prosper, but one of the two would likely go to Washington in a Kuzma deal.
The Mavericks can move their 2027 first-round pick and would be unwilling to include another pick.
The Mavericks Need Another Move To Strengthen Their Roster
The Mavericks made good moves over the summer to reinforce their team. Drafting Dereck Lively II and re-signing Kyrie Irving have been the biggest moves, along with minimum signings such as Dante Exum and Derrick Jones Jr. who have been starter-level contributors on the roster. The Grant Williams sign-and-trade has not worked out to their liking, nor has the return of Seth Curry.
A player of Kuzma’s caliber would be immense for Dallas. They get a high-energy rebounder, versatile defensive presence, and a capable scorer to be the perfect complement in the frontcourt to Doncic and Irving. Kuzma is capable of taking pressure off both their star guards offensively while instantly becoming their best defensive option.
Kuzma is on a very attractive descending long-term contract, so the price to acquire him for his production will be significant. If the Wizards are steadfast on a strong draft pick return in a Kuzma trade, the Mavs likely pivot to looking at other available forwards such as PJ Washington for a cheaper upgrade. But Kuzma could be the ideal long-term forward to put next to a player like Doncic.
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