NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
It’s that time of the year when NBA trade rumors begin to surface. Every team in the NBA could use an upgrade no matter where they are in the standings. It’s all about finding the right balance that will take a team to the championship. Chemistry is important as we’ve seen with the success of the Golden State Warriors but so is finding the right pieces that could propel a team to new heights. Just look at what transpired with the Boston Celtics or, what backfired with the Brooklyn Nets a year ago.
One trade rumor that appears to be picking up steam involves the Washington Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks. In the proposed deal, the Wizards will move Kyle Kuzma while the Hawks will part ways with John Collins. Is this a good deal for both sides or a one-sided deal?
For the Washington Wizards, they could be looking at this from a financial standpoint. Kuzma could decline his $13M option and hit free agency at the end of this season and that will force the Wizards to come off that cash. With Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis taking up $76M for 2023, this team would be in deep for a squad that has walked the line between good and average. But Kuzma is having a great year so far with averages of 21.4 points. 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. It appears he fits well with Beal and Porzingis but are the Wizards looking for more of a defensive player and rebounder?
For the Hawks, there has been speculation of tension between Trae Young and Collins for some time. And with Collins’ salary of $23M per season still on the books and his history of injuries, a change of scenery may be needed. But still, for the Wizards this is not a good deal in terms of money or production. Collins is averaging 12.3 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Hawks. While his shot attempts are down, thanks to the addition of Dejounte Murray, does that mean he will get more looks than Kuzma with the Wizards?
What has worked for the Wizards is their ability to spread the floor. What has plagued this team has been their inability to find a true PG to direct the offense. Kuzma is averaging 17.6 FGAs per game. Of course, his numbers will be higher, but which player has the highest ceiling?
Is This A Good NBA Trade?
The issue with Collins is that he has not played more than 74 games in a season and that was in his rookie year back in 2017. Would this be a wise move for a Wizards’ front office, especially with Beal continuously stating he wants to win? Porzingis is prone to injuries, so adding another frontcourt player who could very well be on the bench for 25+ games, should not sit well with anyone.
What the Wizards should focus on is finding a legit PG. Monte Morris who came over in the deal with the Denver Nuggets has not been what the team expected. Trading away a young star like Kuzma could push the team back another season. Yes, sitting under .500 now is not a good look either but the team has not been whole thanks to injuries to Beal and others.
While it’s all talk as of now, the Hawks are really looking at moving collins. Not so sure if the Wizards are their best option. There is always a chance that Kuzam would decline his offer but there is a chance that when the team is healthy, they could begin to show signs of life. it’s all a gamble here.
Kuzma has the offensive game to fit in with any team and adding him to a lineup that features young and Murry will provide better spacing for the two guards. But what happens when it’s time to re-sign? Are the Hawks really ready to mortgage a portion of their roster for half a season just to see Kuzma walk out the door with voting in return?
An NBA trade like this has to guarantee a title run and Kuzma is not the guy that will push the Hawks over the likes of the Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, or the Philadelphia 76ers. So, once again, why is this such a talked-about trade? Now, this will work out well for both parties if Kuzma is willing to re-up with the Hawks after this season. He’s still young and an offensive trio of Kuzma, Young, and Murray coupled with the rebounding and defense of Clint Capella, could be something dangerous with a full year under their belts.
Stay tuned for more NBA trade news….
