An NBA columnist suggested that the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers deal this offseason. The following trade proposal was put out by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report for the Cavaliers and Wizards: The deal: In exchange for Jarrett Allen, the Washington Wizards send Kyle Kuzma and the No. 26 pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Allen’s contract has two years and forty million dollars left on it.
This season, he shot 63.4% from the field and 74.2% from the free-throw line while averaging 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season while shooting 46.3% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc and 77.5% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $23.5 million next season.
“There are myriad ways in which the Wizards could send Kuzma elsewhere,” Buckley wrote. “Most inevitably include getting back the kind of draft assets you’d figure a rebuilding team would want to stockpile.
“This is a fun curveball concept, though. Yes, the Wizards give up a pick here, but it’s a late first in a draft that no one loves. Washington would still be landing a blue-chipper at No. 2, and it might see more value in a proven commodity like Allen than a dart throw at No. 26.
“Allen, who just turned 26 in April, would have a way of simplifying things for all of the young players around him. He can correct mistakes with his paint protection, contain penetration with his mobility, close out defensive possessions with rebounds and consistently convert scoring chances around the rim.”
