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When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Anthony Davis in the summer of 2019, it was evident right then that the franchise was all-in in terms of competing for a title. However, AD's arrival meant relegation to the bench for their best power forward until then, Kyle Kuzma.
Having averaged 18.7 points per game last season on 45.6% shooting, Kuz was all set to elevate his game to All-Star levels until the arrival of Davis. Since then, he is being afforded fewer minutes and consequently, his production has dipped. This by no means is an indication that the player has already peaked. Kuzma still has a huge upside that rebuilding teams could exploit.
Now, the Lakers are in no soup by any means. They have the best record in the Western Conference and are surely set for a deep run in the postseason. However, they too will be looking to fortify given their recent 4-game losing streak and the fact that they are yet to beat the Los Angeles Clippers this season. Kuzma is the purple and gold's biggest trade asset at the moment and hence they are likely to listen to offers in this regard.
Having said that, here's a look at three teams that should look to trade for Kyle Kuzma.
#3 Oklahoma City Thunder
Nobody expected the OKC Thunder to be as good they are right now - with an above .500 win record and occupying the 7th seed in the West. Having said that, the Thunder's stance to rebuild hasn't changed and Kyle Kuzma is the perfect talent they should go after.
If you look at the Thunder's roster, there's a clear lack of frontcourt players who can produce the goods on the offensive end with the exception of Danilo Gallinari, who himself is expected to the traded. OKC could do well with Kuzma who not only is contracted until 2021, he'll be a restricted free agent following that, allowing the Thunder to keep hold of him for long.
Kuzma's production can obviously not be doubted and the youngster is only likely to benefit from the mentorship of Chris Paul. Kuz will be back to playing starting minutes for the Thunder once Gallo is traded and Thunder could use his production to hold on to a low playoff seed.
In return, the Lakers can be offered Dennis Schroder, who will not only be a massive upgrade for the Lakers, he will also add the ball-handling and scoring threat that the franchise so desperately needs. Additionally, he could also be LA's long term solution at point. A couple of other Laker players will have to be involved for the salaries to match but a trade is certainly possible.
#2 San Antonio Spurs
It is pretty much evident that the current roster that's at the disposal of San Antonio Spurs is too inconsistent to make a push for the playoffs. A rebuild is imminent for Gregg Popovich's side and they could put the gears in motion by trading for Kyle Kuzma.
As mentioned earlier, the Lakers need more depth at the point due to fitness concerns of Rajon Rondo and Dejounte Murray looks like the perfect addition in that regard. Drafted in 2016 by the Spurs, Murray was expected to be a cornerstone of the new San Antonio revolution but recent reports have suggested that the player has grown frustrated and wants to leave.
Murray is a player with a lot of upside and although he isn't the greatest long-range scorer, he also brings defense to the table, something that Frank Vogel demands of his personnel. Additionally, the Spurs have several guards with good scoring ability – the likes of Bryn Forbes, Lonnie Walker, and Derrick White – that could also be offered to the Lakers to make the deal go through.
Acquiring Kuzma would also be the first step towards moving LaMarcus Aldridge, who also carries considerable trade value and is expected to be phased out.
#1 Brooklyn Nets
One of the more future-proof teams in the association, the Brooklyn Nets have a good mix of veterans and budding stars amongst their ranks. While they don't seem to be more than a first-round playoff-exit team this year, the Nets will surely be competing for a ring next season when the likes of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are fully fit and (hopefully) firing.
However, another situation that is likely to haunt them soon is their wage bill. The Nets already have over $130 million committed in salaries next year which has clearly put in a trice as far as veterans Spencer Dinwiddie and Joe Harris are concerned. Harris is out of contract in the summer and Dinwiddie has a player option in 2021.
Now, given Dinwiddie's production of over 22 points a game this season, it's imperative that he would want to earn more than the $12.3 million he'll be owed if he opts in. The presence of go-to guards in Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert is also likely to reduce Dinwiddie's minutes.
Therefore, the Nets will be wise to ship off the 2018 Skills Challenge Winner and get a scorer in Kyle Kuzma in return. Kuzma will not only replace the production, his contract will allow the Nets to try and negotiate a deal that could keep Harris in Brooklyn beyond 2020. This will certainly elongate the franchise's championship window.
The Lakers are also likely to accept because they would get a point guard who can straight up slot into their starting 5 and give a tremendous boost to their championship push this season. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is also likely to be involved in the deal to match salaries who in turn can be traded by the Nets again for the required cap relief.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
