Indiana Pacers: One Kyle Kuzma trade the Wizards can’t turn down

With the NBA Trade Deadline just a couple of months away, most teams are presumably more active on the annual hunt in hopes of improving their teams. That is especially true for the Indiana Pacers, who, despite a relatively successful campaign so far, should be in line for some tough decisions regarding their roster.

Of course, the trade market is one of the most accessible routes that the Pacers brass can take for that cause. After all, the squad boasts a bevy of veterans and other pieces that should be enticing for prospective bidders. In fact, expecting Indiana to be active in trade discussions is pretty much a given at this juncture.

The Indiana Pacers could still have a compelling case to pursue Kyle Kuzma

One of the players that the Pacers can take a hard look at as a potential trade target is Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, who has been arguably enjoying his best season yet. Furthermore, the 2020 NBA Champion seems to be on the verge of an exit from Washington, as he is expected to be traded before the deadline as a clear flight risk, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

"There’s a rising belief leaguewide that Kuzma is gettable between now and the Feb. 9 trade deadline as a result because the Wizards might ultimately be forced to concede that they have to trade him before the buzzer to ensure they don’t lose him for nothing."

Kuzma has a player option for next season at around $13 million, which he will surely pass up on, given how his current play could easily elevate his price to the 20s via unrestricted free agency. Without further ado, here is one scenario with the Pacers landing him via trade.