Photo: Washington Wizards/X

Washington Wizards star Kyle Kuzma is expected to be a highly sought-after player as the NBA trade deadline approaches, with contenders likely to express interest in acquiring him to strengthen their rosters for a playoff push.

Kuzma’s reputation as a versatile combo forward, capable of playing both forward positions, makes him an appealing addition to teams looking for a well-rounded player who can contribute across multiple facets of the game.

His scoring ability, defensive versatility, and strong rebounding presence add significant value to any contending team’s lineup.

In addition to his on-court skills, Kuzma’s championship pedigree, earned during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, adds another layer of intrigue.

His experience in high-pressure playoff situations could be a crucial asset for teams aiming for a deep postseason run, as he has shown the ability to thrive in big moments.

Kuzma’s leadership and maturity, developed from his time in Los Angeles, make him a valuable veteran presence in a playoff rotation.

The forward is currently in the second year of a four-year, $90 million contract, earning $23.5 million this season. The contract becomes progressively more team-friendly, decreasing to $21.5 million in the 2025-26 season and concluding at $19.4 million in the 2026-27 season.

This descending salary structure makes Kuzma an even more attractive trade target for teams looking to add talent while maintaining future financial flexibility.

His contract is structured in a way that allows a team to potentially fit him into their salary cap more easily in the upcoming seasons, all while getting solid production from a proven veteran forward.

Given the Wizards’ rebuilding efforts, Kuzma could be a key trade asset, and his availability could create a competitive market among playoff contenders.

His combination of skills, experience, and contract flexibility positions him as one of the most intriguing players to watch ahead of the trade deadline.