5 bold predictions for the upcoming 2023 NBA Trade Deadline
By Dalton Sell
2023 NBA Trade Deadline Bold Prediction No.4 – The Washington Wizards will keep Kyle Kuzma in an attempt to re-sign him in free agency
Much like Bojan Bogdanovic, another power forward who has garnered attention leading up to the trade deadline is Kyle Kuzma. NBA insider Marc Stein (Subscription required) reported that Kuzma is viewed as “gettable” before the deadline amid a career year.
Since then, Yahoo Sports!’ insider Jake Fischer reported that the Washington Wizards intend to keep Kuzma, who can become a free agent this offseason, with the hope of re-signing him. Rumors regarding Kuzma have gone both ways, but it seems likelier that the Wizards keep him moving forward rather than move him.
As it currently stands, the Wizards are currently out of the play-in race but remain just a couple of games back of the final spot. With Kuzma, Bradley Beal, and Kristaps Porzingis, Washington has a solid trio of players leading the way. Injuries to Beal have hurt their chances of finding a groove in 2022-23, but when healthy, this group should undoubtedly be able to make it into the play-in at the bare minimum. With a legitimate shot at still making the play-in tournament this season if the Wizards can string together wins consistently, it would be reasonable to keep their core intact.
The Wizards know that they will have to give Kuzma a hefty raise in free agency if they keep him, but that does not appear to be an issue. They clearly view him as a building block of the future in Washington, and letting him go could set them back. This team must surround Beal with pieces to help them compete now, and Kuzma is exactly that. Teams will call with offers, but it would be a shock to see the Wizards deal with the high-scoring forward before the trade deadline.