The Washington Wizards look to make roster changes in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Wizards have a decent group of veteran players who are expected to be on the move before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, the Wizards could look to trade away three veteran players. Fischer mentioned Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas and Malcolm Brogdon as potential trade assets the Washington organization could trade.
“The Wizards, meanwhile, are increasingly regarded as likely to seek trades for both Jonas Valanciunas and Malcolm Brogdon before the Feb. 6 trade deadline while also fielding expected interest in Kyle Kuzma,” Fischer wrote.
The Washington Wizards are considering selling players on their roster, with names like Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Malcolm Brogdon expected to be available, per @JakeLFischer
“The Wizards, meanwhile, are increasingly regarded as likely to seek trades for both Jonas… pic.twitter.com/tgGiWVS4Dk
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2024
The Wizards are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 3-19 record. By trading away the veteran players, they will shift their focus on developing the talent of their young players like Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Jordan Poole.
The Washington Wizards have started to get attention for their starting forward
One of the most sought-after players with the Washington Wizards is Kyle Kuzma. Last season, he averaged a career-best 22.2 points. 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists on 46% shooting from the field. This season, his numbers have dropped and is averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists.
Despite a noticeable decrease in production, Kuzma is still an important asset for contending team looking for additional scoring punch. According to ESPN’s Shams Charana, there are several contending teams that are considering to trade for Washington’s starting power forward.
“Several contending teams are expected to pursue Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, sources said. Kuzma, a proven NBA champion on the 2020 Lakers, is in the second season of a four-year, $100 million deal. The 6-9, versatile player has averaged 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this season,” Charania wrote.
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— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 10, 2024
Washington Wizards big man expected to be a target by the Lakers
In a report from Fischer, he cited the Washington Wizards as a potential trade target by the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the summer, the Lakers tried to pursue the Lithuanian center but the Wizards got to sign him first.
“Jonas Valanciunas is definitely a name that you continue to hear being bandied about as a Lakers trade target,” Fischer said. “Valanciunas is definitely available for trade in Washington.”
The big man has played 22 games for Washington, averaging 12.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
