The Phoenix Suns could make a big move in free agency and land Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards, but this won’t be easy, as they don’t have the resource or freedom to make it happen.
The Suns need a third scoring option behind Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and Kuz can easily fill that role for Frank Vogel’s team. According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, they tried to make a move for Kuz ahead of the trade deadline.
“The Suns held interest in Kuzma ahead of the trade deadline this past season, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, and sources say they had reached out to the Wizards in attempts to discuss trades centered around the former first-round pick before they made a move on superstar Kevin Durant. Ultimately, discussions centered on Kuzma did not go anywhere, as Washington was unwilling to move him.”
With Bradley Beal on his way out of the team, Kuzma’s departure is more likely. The forward revitalized his career with the Wizards and was keen to sign a $20+ million contract in the free market.
Siegel adds that the Suns would need to use a sign-and-trade to land Kuzma, swapping him for disgruntled center Deandre Ayton. The Bahamian big man and Chris Paul are seemingly on their way out of the Suns and this potential trade could accelerate their exit.
The Phoenix Suns Linked With A Series Of Players In Free Agency
Meanwhile, things are hot in Phoenix after they reportedly told Chris Paul he would be waived. They still want to keep him on the roster, but CP3 could take a different route and sign with a new team.
Phoenix has been linked with other guards, namely Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet to take over from Paul on the Suns. These are interesting options, but again, they need to work on something different to make any of them happen.
The 2023 NBA Playoffs showed that they lacked depth, as only Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can carry them. Adding a third start will be great for the Suns, and Kuzma, Irving, or VanVleet would be perfect for the job.