New reports suggest the chances that either the Sacramento Kings or Dallas Mavericks can swing a blockbuster trade for talented forward Kyle Kuzma have greatly improved.
The Kings and Mavericks are off to solid or good starts to their 2023-24 campaigns. Heading into the weekend, both are among the top eight teams in the Western Conference and have the potential to move up from their spots at fifth and eighth, respectively. However, both teams are not seen as serious title contenders in the spring.
Related: Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis ties a Hall of Famer with illustrious streak
That is why both organizations have reportedly been active to see what the potential options are to improve the roster before the Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline. Oddly enough, both West squads have been linked to the same talented player that could be up for grabs over the next week: Kyle Kuzma.
Asking price for Kyle Kuzma trade reportedly not as high as rumored
However, for different reasons, it seemed both teams were unlikely to meet the rumored asking price the Washington Wizards have for their top scorer. But in recent days those chances may have changed. On Wednesday, The Athletic’s David Aldridge and Josh Robbins reported “League sources maintain Washington has been holding out for two first-round picks for Kuzma, though team sources indicate that is somewhat overblown.”
Related: Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic gets fan ejected for weakest and softest reason possible
In a Thursday post on his substack page, veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein speculated that if the price for Kuzma doesn’t have to be two first-round picks, the Mavericks top pick in 2027 and young players like Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Jaden Hardy, and Josh Green could be enough to complete a deal.
The Kings do not have a first-round pick in June, however, they have the rest of their selections through 2030 and an extra second-rounder in 2025. They certainly have the draft capital to meet the Wizards’ demands, especially if a first-round pick and several second-rounders would now be enough to complete a deal.
The 28-year-old is averaging career highs in points (22.0), assists (4.3) and field goal percentage (46%) this season.