Kyle Kuzma could be a target for the Sacramento Kings, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Kuzma had been linked to the Kings ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. He added that a deal didn’t materialize because of a disagreement of assets. The Kings are still interested in Kuzma, especially after they traded for DeMar DeRozan.

“One team that has shown the most interest in Kuzma and engaged in trade conversations for him numerous times over the last year, including this offseason, is Sacramento. Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, sources said, the Kings looked to package their 13th overall selection with other assets in a deal that would have sent Kuzma to Sacramento.”

“The Wizards, who wanted more draft assets than just the 13th overall selection in this year’s draft, declined to move Kuzma for what the Kings were offering. Even after landing DeRozan in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls during free agency, Sacramento still holds interest in Kuzma as a legitimate trade target ahead of the 2024-25 season.”

Kyle Kuzma can be a crucial piece for a contending team. He was a key player on the 2020 Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to win the NBA championship. Since then, he has stepped up as a player on the Wizards, with his numbers improving significantly now that he has the ball in his hands more.

Last season, Kuzma put up All-Star caliber numbers, averaging 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. With Kuzma having improved his scoring, he can play an even bigger role on any team in the league looking to contend in the playoffs next season.

The Wizards are clearly in a rebuild and are willing to part ways with their high-performing players. And with Kuzma making roughly $22.5 million a season, and his contract structured in a way that his salary reduces by $2 million each season, Kuzma is a great scorer available on a team-friendly deal.

How Can Kyle Kuzma And DeMar DeRozan Help The Kings

Should Kuzma join the Kings, their presumed starting five would include De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, Mallik Monk, Kyle Kuzma, and Domantas Sabonis. This starting five would definitely be considered one of the strongest in the Western Conference, with five high-level scorers, and players like Sabonis, Monk, and Kuzma who can play good defense.

The Kings are looking to return to the playoffs after missing it last year through the play-in tournament. The Kings want to stay competitive in the Western Conference, especially having seen new top teams like the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Mavericks emerge as potential contenders going forward.

Kuzma definitely elevates the Kings and makes them one of the better teams in the Western Conference. With Kuzma potentially going to the Kings, the Western Conference becomes even tougher, as it plays host to some of the best teams in the league, with only teams like the Jazz, the Blazers, the Rockets, and the Grizzlies being behind the proverbial 8-ball.