Wizards Prioritize Future Draft Picks as NBA Trade Deadline Nears
With the 2025 NBA trade deadline looming Thursday,the Washington Wizards are focused on acquiring future draft picks,league sources report.The extent to which they’re willing to part with forward Kyle Kuzma, however, remains unclear.
Traded Player Exception Presents Opportunity
Washington possesses a $12.4 million traded player exception, expiring on Feb. 10, obtained from last year’s trade sending Daniel Gafford to the Dallas Mavericks.The Wizards aim to leverage this exception to absorb salary,potentially as a facilitator in larger multi-team trades,in exchange for valuable draft capital.
Veterans Also Available
The Wizards are also open to trading veterans Malcolm Brogdon, marvin Bagley III, and Richaun Holmes, all of whom are on expiring or partially guaranteed contracts.
Kyle Kuzma: A Potential Trade Chip
Kuzma, averaging 15.2 points per game this season, has expressed a potential willingness to be traded, league sources indicate. While Kuzma’s value is lower than in previous seasons due to injuries and a diminished role, teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings could be potential fits.
Kuzma has publicly voiced his frustration with the Wizards’ struggles and his adjustment to a less ball-dominant role.
NBA Trade Deadline: Wizards’ Kuzma and Valančiūnas Draw Interest
As the NBA trade deadline looms, the Washington wizards find themselves in a position to potentially reshape their roster. Two players, Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valančiūnas, are drawing importent interest from contending teams.
Kuzma: A Championship Pedigree
Kuzma, who helped the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship, has showcased his ability to be a key contributor on a successful team.His contract, with descending guaranteed salaries of $21.5 million in 2025-26 and $19.4 million in 2026-27, makes him an attractive asset.
The Wizards could choose to trade kuzma this offseason to maximize his value, especially if they believe his performance in the remaining games can boost his trade stock.
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly expressed interest in Kuzma, proposing a deal involving Khris Middleton and draft picks. Such a move would help Milwaukee manage their salary cap while acquiring a player with championship experience. Though, the Wizards would likely demand additional draft compensation to part with Kuzma.
Valančiūnas: A Post Presence for Contenders
Valančiūnas, a 32-year-old center, brings valuable experience and physicality to the table. His skillset as an efficient low-post scorer, above-average offensive rebounder and strong defensive rebounder make him a potential target for teams in need of a reliable presence in the paint.
The Wizards acquired Valančiūnas in a sign-and-trade last summer, and many analysts speculated at the time that he would be traded before the end of the 2024-25 season.
With the Los Angeles Lakers needing size after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, Valančiūnas could be a good fit. Othre teams such as the Denver nuggets, LA Clippers and New York Knicks could also express interest.
Valančiūnas’ contract, structured to make him eligible for a midlevel exception trade, further increases his trade viability. Teams looking to bolster their frontcourt depth without exceeding the salary cap may find Valančiūnas to be an ideal target.
The Wizards’ willingness to move Kuzma and Valančiūnas suggests that they are prioritizing building for the future, even if it means parting with experienced veterans. The trade deadline promises to be an exciting time for the Wizards and their fans.
Wizards Trade Deadline Preview: Valančiūnas Likely Target, Poole Staying Put
The Washington Wizards are expected to be active at the NBA trade deadline, with center Jonas Valančiūnas emerging as a prime candidate to be moved.
Valančiūnas’s durable presence and productive minutes have made him attractive to several teams. Notably, franchises like Charlotte, Houston, Sacramento, and Toronto possess their full $12.8 million non-taxpayer mid-level exceptions, making them potential landing spots. Portland also holds a sizable portion of its mid-level exception, presenting another viable option.
Conventional trade scenarios envision valančiūnas heading to a team like the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for a non-rotation player, such as guard Gabe Vincent, and a future draft asset.Previously, hypothetical deals have included sending Valančiūnas to the New York Knicks for center Mitchell Robinson and two second-round picks.
Robinson’s shot-blocking prowess and rebounding skills are undeniable,but his recent injury history raises concerns. In contrast, Valančiūnas has been remarkably healthy, missing only a handful of games in recent seasons.
While Valančiūnas appears poised to be dealt, guard Jordan Poole is highly unlikely to be moved. After a somewhat underwhelming first season in Washington, Poole has flourished as the starting point guard, averaging 20 points per game.
Poole’s extraordinary performance,coupled with his willingness to contribute to the team’s youth movement,has solidified his place in Washington. However,his sizable salary ($29.7 million this year, escalating in the following seasons) makes him a tough asset to move, deterring teams with salary cap restrictions.
Unless a team seeking a scoring boost is willing to absorb Poole’s contract and offer valuable assets in return, he is expected to remain a wizard.
Wizards Weigh Trade Options for Brogdon and Kispert
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Washington Wizards are evaluating potential deals for veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon and young wing Corey Kispert. Both players have been linked to multiple teams, but their trade scenarios differ substantially.
Brogdon: An Expiring Contract with Upside
Brogdon, 32, is on an expiring $22.5 million contract. While he doesn’t fit into Washington’s long-term plans, he could be a valuable asset for contending teams seeking a reliable scorer and veteran presence. Brogdon has a career 38% three-point percentage in the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations. However, his injury history remains a concern for potential suitors.
League sources suggest the Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings as potential landing spots for Brogdon. A three-team trade involving the Golden State Warriors could also be a possibility, allowing the Warriors to shed salary while the Wizards acquire younger players and draft assets.
Kispert: Trade Deadline Trade Unlikely
Kispert’s trade prospects are more complicated due to the “poison pill” provision in his rookie-scale extension. This provision makes trading him before July 1 financially burdensome for other teams. The Wizards would prefer to keep Kispert throughout their rebuilding process, valuing his shooting ability and potential for growth.
While teams like the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, and San Antonio Spurs could be interested in Kispert’s shooting, a trade before the deadline seems unlikely. Only the Detroit Pistons, with ample cap space, could realistically absorb Kispert’s contract without significant financial implications.
**Q: Are the Wizards looking too rebuild or compete after the trade deadline?**
Q&A: Wizards Trade deadline Rumors
**Q: Which Wizards players are most likely to be traded?**
A: Kyle Kuzma adn Jonas Valančiūnas appear to be the most likely candidates for a trade.Both are on expiring or partially guaranteed contracts and have drawn interest from contending teams.
**Q: What teams are interested in Kyle Kuzma?**
A: The Milwaukee Bucks,Los Angeles Lakers,and Sacramento Kings have been mentioned as potential suitors for Kuzma.
**Q: Why might the Wizards trade Kuzma?**
A: The Wizards could trade Kuzma to maximize his value while possibly acquiring younger players or draft assets to aid their rebuilding efforts.
**Q: What makes Jonas Valančiūnas attractive to other teams?**
A: Valančiūnas’s durability, efficient scoring, and strong rebounding make him a valuable asset for teams seeking frontcourt depth.
**Q: Which teams are interested in Valančiūnas?**
A: The Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and Portland Trail Blazers are among the teams potentially interested in Valančiūnas.
**Q: Is Jordan Poole likely to be traded?**
A: Poole is highly unlikely to be traded due to his strong performance this season and his meaningful salary.
**Q: What about Malcolm Brogdon and Corey Kispert?**
A: Brogdon, on an expiring contract, is a more likely candidate to be moved than Kispert.The “poison pill” provision in Kispert’s contract makes him difficult to trade before July 1st.
**Ready to see how these rumors unfold? Stay tuned for updates as the NBA trade deadline approaches!**
