2 reasons why the Kings should and 2 reasons why they shouldn't trade for Kyle Kuzma

Reason #2 For Trading Kuzma: Very Good Contract

Kuzma is entering the second year of a four-year, 90-million dollar deal (per Spotrac). That's an average annual value of 22.5 million dollars. That's about the going rate for a starting-caliber player in 2024. For instance, names like Andrew Wiggins, RJ Barrett, Terry Rozier, and Cameron Johnson all made a similar amount last season.

But the great part about this specific contract is that it decreases in yearly value as the contract goes on. So, the first year (which was 2023-24) was the most expensive, while the final season (2026-27) will be the cheapest. That means that while the going rate for starters keeps getting more expensive, Kuzma's annual salary will keep getting more affordable.

This contract isn't too dissimilar in its size and setup to Dillion Brooks, who signed a four-year, 86-million dollar deal that decreases in yearly value as the years go on.

If the Kings trade for Kuzma, they will acquire a power forward who offers functional size, is cost-controlled over the next three years, and is at the heart of his prime (still just 28 years old). This would be a great get for a team that is getting ready to start Sabonis' extension (four-year, 186-million dollar deal) and to negotiate De'Aaron Fox's extension in the very near future (oh, and Keegan Murray will also need a rookie extension pretty soon).