2 reasons why the Kings should and 2 reasons why they shouldn't trade for Kyle Kuzma
By Mat Issa
As we've discussed before on this website, the Sacramento Kings likely need to find an upgrade for Harrison Barnes at the power forward spot if they want to become serious title contenders. And one name that typically comes up in these discussions is Kyle Kuzma.
But what are the benefits of trading for Kuzma? What are the downsides? In this article, we avoid talking about the specifics of what a potential Kuzma trade would look like (although I do pitch an idea at the very end), and instead, we will focus on the pros and cons of bringing Kuzma to Sacramento.
Reason #1 For Trading For Kuzma: Functional Size
As this season has taught us, you need functional size to win big. As a refresher, when we say functional size, we are referring to big dudes with the ability to shoot, put the ball on the floor, guard multiple positions, and protect the rim. In theory, Kuzma gives you most of that.
Kuzma can't really shoot (more on this in a second), but he can definitely put the ball in the bucket. Where Barnes was just in the 56th percentile in scoring volume last year, Kuzma was all the way up in the 92nd percentile (Dunks & Threes). On top of that, Kuzma was in the 70th percentile in unassisted field goal percentage (further proof of his ability to be an autonomous scorer).
Kuzma also gives you plus rim protection at the power forward position (don't forget he's 6'9 with a 7'0 wingspan). In four of the last five seasons, Kuzma has finished in the 54th percentile or higher in block rate in the entire league. During that time span, Barnes has never finished higher than the 10th percentile.
As an overall defender, Kuzma has proven that he can rise to the occasion when put on a competitive roster. In 2020-21, the Los Angeles Lakers were in the 92nd percentile in defensive rating in the 1,925 non-garbage time minutes Kuzma was on the floor for (per Cleaning the Glass).