Kuzma Returns to the West
Another highly coveted deadline target this winter will be Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards. Playing out the final year of a 3-year, $39 million deal he signed with the Lakers, Kuzma has taken full advantage of the Wizards’ lack of scoring options.
The 27-year-old has broken the 20-point-per-game mark on decent shooting numbers this season. His three-point shot still isn’t super consistent and probably never will be, but he is not afraid to let it fly. He attempts nearly eight triples per night, shooting at a clip just south of 34%, roughly spot-on his career average.
Despite his noticeable box averages, the advanced statistics tell a different story. Kuzma boasts just 0.9 win shares. Teammate Kristaps Porzingis, who plays a similar position and averages similar box numbers, has a win share total amounting to over triple that of Kuzma.
These numbers indicate that the overall situation in Washington likely inflates Kuzma’s stats. With a lack of scoring threats around him, the Utah product has posted a career-high 17.7 attempts per game.
On an expiring contract, it seems inevitable that the Wizards would try to get some value out of him before he hits free agency. This being said, Washington will likely command more than Kuzma is worth in a deal. Shipping off more than one first-rounder for a rental would be steep, but that could end up being Washington’s bottom line. However, a first and a second are all that I would be willing to give up.