NBA Trade Rumors: Kyle Kuzma Lands In Oklahoma City In Proposed Swap

The Oklahoma City Thunder have a superstar in the backcourt in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are set at the center spot with prized Rookie of the Year runner-up Chet Holmgren and have a great third piece in swingman Jalen Williams. They'd love to add another scoring presence in the frontcourt, however, and Kyle Kuzma could be a great fit.

The Washington Wizards are in all-out rebuild mode at this point after a dreadful 15-67 season, and it makes no sense whatsoever for them to hang onto Kuzma for the duration of his 4-year, $90 million contract that still has three seasons to run.

So how about if these two teams come together and the Wiz get themselves a talented young point guard in addition to a first-rounder in return?

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has suggested a big trade that could meet the needs of both teams:

Oklahoma City Thunder Receive:

Kyle Kuzma

Washington Wizards Receive:

Josh Giddey
2025 first-round pick

Kuzma's salary actually drops over the next three seasons, so he wouldn't be a crushing burden on the Thunder's salary cap, as his take lowers from $23.5M in 2024-25, then down to $21.4M then $19.4M in the final year.

On the court, he should be a perfect complement to SGA, Chet and J-Dub, with his size at 6'9" offering some height and rebounding alongside Williams at forward.

The Wizards get themselves a 21-year-old Giddey, whose off-court issues were a distraction this past season hurting his on-court play. A fresh start in a new location would do him good. He can be a highlight-reel passer and can score the ball as well.

Washington could do a lot worse than having the talented Aussie as one of their building blocks going forward.