This summer, the Washington Wizards became a beacon in the NBA trade market with decisive action and determination at all costs. They successfully sent away core players Brad Beal and Porzingis without rushing to ask for first-round picks, demonstrating management's superb negotiation skills.
All of this is in stark contrast to the defeat of the Toronto Raptors, who lost their trading partners due to exorbitant asking prices, leaving Siakam and Anunoby unable to leave.
Next, the Wizards' next target is Kuzma. A versatile striker, Kuzma opted to jump out of the player option this season, and the Wizards are looking to send him away by signing and trading to avoid further losses. The latest news revealed that the Rockets, Cavaliers and Wizards are expected to reach a three-way deal before the start of the summer league to compete for Kuzma's signing rights.
According to the revealed trade plan, the Rockets will send Kevin Porter Jr., Jessieen Tate, Kenyon Martin Jr. and the 2024 Nets first-round pick to get the talented 23-year-old point guard Darius Garland. The Cavaliers will then send Darius Garland to the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma (signed and then traded), Tyus Jones and Kenyon Martin Jr. In the end, the Wizards traded Kyle Kuzma (first sign and then trade) and Tyus Jones to the Rockets for Kevin Porter Jr., Jesseon Tate and the 2024 Nets first-round pick.
For the Rockets, they will get young point guard Darius Garland, who is about 185cm tall, has an arm span of 1.96 meters and weighs 87.1kg. This season, he played in 69 games for the Cavaliers, averaging 21.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 41 percent from three-point range. Garland has top-level projection ability and flexible court awareness, and is good at blocking and passing, but is not compatible with Mitchell, and the height of the backcourt is too short, resulting in a playoff defense that is stretched.
And the Cavaliers' desire for Kuzma is no secret. An all-rounder by striker, Kuzma became one of the most desired players for Cavaliers management at the age of 27. Although the Jazz, Pistons and Rockets are also in contention, the Cavaliers have a chance to acquire Kuzma through this three-way deal. Kuzma, who has a height of 2.06 meters and a variety of offensive tools, will inject new vitality and defensive intensity into the Cavaliers' forward strength, as well as Kuzma's small passing hand.
The three-way deal will be high-profile, with the Rockets, Cavaliers and Wizards all looking to improve their prowess. Who will be the ultimate winner? Let's wait and see, this pre-Summer League deal will bring a new spark to the NBA arena!
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