Wizards Moving on from Kyle Kuzma Was for the Best

Trading Kyle Kuzma was not an easy move for the Washington Wizards; however, it may have been for the best.

Jan 16, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) handles the ball during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards found themselves at a crossroads when it came to Kyle Kuzma. Now that they have traded him, it appears the Wizards may have done themselves a favor.

It was a long time coming, too. Kuzma simply didn't fit into the plans for the future of the team. As an aging player in the NBA, it seems as if he may have reached his peak in the league.

While he was with the Wizards, Kuzma took advantage of his opportunity as he was the best player on the team. With that being the case, he may have been overvalued and was maybe even a bit overrated. He was able to take a high volume of shots and have the ball in his hands a lot, so that may explain why he had so much success with the Wizards.

Since the Wizards acquired AJ Johnson in the Kuzma deal, the rookie has arguably outplayed him. Since March 15, Johnson is averaging more assists and steals with a higher field goal percentage than Kuzma with fewer minutes. That raises a very critical question: Is Johnson better than Kuzma?

Young Wizards With/Without Kuzma:

Bilal Coulibaly:
11.0 PPG -> 13.6
4.3 REB -> 5.6
2.8 AST -> 3.9
40.3% FG -> 43.6%

Kyshawn George:
6.9 PPG -> 10.3
3.4 REB -> 5.2
2.2 AST -> 2.8
32.7% FG -> 40%

Bub Carrington:
7.9 PPG -> 10.0
3.2 REB -> 4.7
3.7 AST -> 4.5
37.4% FG -> 40.7% https://t.co/0orj2JlPSo pic.twitter.com/bWnuWLuEbT

— WizardsMuse (@WizardsMuse1) March 27, 2025

The rest of the team is blossoming as well since Kuzma has been dealt, evidenced by the fact that Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Bub Carrington have all increased their points per game, rebounds, assists and field goal percentage.

There is no doubt the Wizards are a better team after moving on from Kuzma. Coulibaly looks like a future NBA All-Star as he plays at a high level on both ends of the floor. George has shown himself to be one of the best defenders on the team, and he's certainly better than Kuzma in that regard. Coulibaly looks promising as he's someone you can trust with the ball in his hands.

Make sure you bookmark Washington Wizards on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

• Wizards Have Steal of the 2023 NBA Draft
• Wizards vs. 76ers Preview: Capture the Flagg
• Wizards' Alex Sarr May Have Multiple Awards in his Future
• Wizards Forward Takes Big Step in Injury Recovery
• Wizards Wildcard Player Revealed