The Miami Heat are in dire need of reinforcements to make another run at the NBA Finals and secure their fourth franchise title. One name that has emerged as a potential target is Washington Wizards wing Kyle Kuzma, a player with both talent and championship experience.
In an August 12 report, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposed a blockbuster trade involving the Heat, Wizards, and Orlando Magic, which would bring Kuzma to Miami. The proposed trade details are as follows:
- Heat Receive: Kyle Kuzma
- Magic Receive: Malcolm Brogdon, Josh Richardson, 2026 Lakers second-round pick
- Wizards Receive: Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, Nikola Jović, Duncan Robinson, 2029 top-five protected Heat first-round pick
Swartz elaborated on why Kuzma would be a valuable addition to the Heat, highlighting his versatility and scoring ability. “Kuzma… averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and made 35.5 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes last season. He’d be an ideal starting power forward between Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo as a scoring threat who can space the floor and serve as a willing passer.”
Kuzma played a significant role in helping the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2020 NBA Championship. If Miami were to acquire him, he would add much-needed scoring depth, particularly on the wing, which has been a weakness for the Heat since Butler’s arrival in 2019.
Kyle Kuzma Drawing Interest Across the NBA
Despite Kuzma currently playing for the struggling Washington Wizards, he remains an attractive option for teams around the league. Given that the Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild, Kuzma’s long-term future in Washington seems uncertain.
According to a July 17 report by ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, several NBA teams have expressed interest in acquiring Kuzma. However, the Wizards are in no rush to move him, as they prioritize acquiring young talent and draft picks. “There is also interest around the league in forward Kyle Kuzma, but Washington will continue to operate with patience as it looks for young talent and draft picks,” Youngmisuk wrote.
At 29 years old, Kuzma is in the prime of his career and is entering the second year of a four-year, $90 million contract. With the length and structure of this contract, the Wizards have ample time to decide Kuzma’s future.
Why Kyle Kuzma’s Contract is Appealing
Kuzma’s contract is not only manageable but also becomes increasingly team-friendly over time. For the 2024-25 season, he is set to earn $23 million, followed by $21 million in 2025-26, and $19 million in the final year. This declining salary structure could make Kuzma even more valuable in future trade discussions.
For a team like Miami, Kuzma represents an ideal fit both on the court and financially. His skill set aligns with the Heat’s needs, and his contract would help the team stay under the NBA’s tax aprons, allowing them to improve without facing severe financial penalties.
While the Wizards may not have immediate plans for Kuzma, the combination of his on-court impact and contract flexibility means his price tag in any trade negotiation would likely be steep. The Heat, facing a sense of urgency, may need to offer more than what Swartz initially proposed to bring Kuzma to Miami.
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