NBA Trade Rumors: Wizards' $102 million forward on radar of Lakers, Warriors & other teams ahead of 2025 Trade Deadline

The LA Lakers are among the handful of teams that have singled out Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma as a trade candidate. According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, Kuzma could return to the Lakers to address their need for a scoring wing in the 2024-25 NBA season.

In 2023, Kuzma signed a four-year, $102 million contract to stay in Washington. However, the Wizards aren't contending this season and could seek a package involving a young core or draft assets from the team.

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"Teams around the league believe the 29-year-old forward is worth monitoring as a trade candidate due to his skillset and declining salary over the next two years while in his prime years," Scotto wrote.

Scotto added that league executives don't think Kuzma fits in with Washington's long-term timeline, which could make him available for a trade.

The senior NBA insider claims other teams have been interested in signing the 6-foot-9 forward besides Los Angeles. During the 2023–24 season, the Dallas Mavericks reportedly attempted to acquire the forward but prioritized center Daniel Gafford. According to Scotto, Kuzma has also been linked to the Sacramento Kings for the previous two seasons.

Other teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and the Cleveland Cavaliers have also had interest in the veteran forward.

Last season, Kuz averaged a career-high in points and put up 22.2 per game on a 46.3% shooting clip. This season, his numbers have dropped, averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 assists on a lowly 27.6% shooting from deep.

A trade with the California team would mean a reunion for Kuzma, as he was sent to DC in the Russell Westbrook deal in 2021.

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Lakers expected to discuss trades to D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura

According to Scotto, HoopsHype believes the team could trade draft assets to acquire valuable pieces to their championship quest. Additionally, the organization could also include three players (D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura) in trade discussions.

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"The Lakers can trade two unprotected first-round picks and three swaps overall. In addition to those draft picks, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent will be discussed on the trade market," the insider wrote.

Hachimura has started all 15 games he's played this season and is averaging 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 43.9% shooting from deep. Russell, who has been sent to the bench, is averaging just 12.1 points per game on 40.5% shooting from the field and 30.6% on 3-pointers, all career lows.

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