For a long time, the Golden State Warriors have been a model NBA franchise. This team rebuilt from the ground up. Eventually, they’d go on to build a dynasty.
That dynasty may be coming to an end. The Warriors have been underwhelming in 2023-24. This does not look like a team that will contend for the NBA championship. Instead, the Warriors look mediocre.
They’re still a model franchise. Rebuilding teams like the Washington Wizards should study how the Warriors built their team. Could they send them Kyle Kuzma in the meantime?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Kyle Kuzma
The Wizards were not following in the Warriors’ footsteps for a long time. They were a model organization- in the sense that some considered them a model of how to not build a team.
It’s not that Washington was always at the bottom of the standings. They were middling. The Wizards were typically a low playoff seed or just outside of the playoff picture. For some, that’s the worst place for an NBA team to be. The Wizards were stuck on the mediocrity treadmill.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors Updates
This summer, they hopped off. The Wizards sent Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. Now, this organization is focused on the future. Could they trade Kuzma next?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
The Wizards traded Beal and extended Kuzma shortly after. This was puzzling for some. Why would they want Kuzma’s contract on the books if they’re rebuilding?
Perhaps the idea was to eventually get something for Kuzma instead of letting him walk in free agency. That’s what the Wizards are doing here. Given Kuzma’s contract, a top 10 protected first feels like fair value.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors Updates
If they weren’t taking Wiggins’ deal, that pick might be more heavily protected. Still, his contract does run shorter than Kuzma’s. Should the Warriors take on additional salary?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors could choose several directions. This team could justify rebuilding. If they wanted to go that route, they wouldn’t want Kuzma’s contract.
On the other hand, Steph Curry is still performing at an extremely high level. As long as that’s true, the Warriors have a title window. If they made a major addition to their roster, they could return to the championship picture.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors Updates
Why not a do-it-all wing like Kuzma? He’s a player who can shoot, pass and defend. Kuzma also has a strong feel for the game – he should fit right in on the Warriors. After all, they’re still a model organization.
