Grading three Kings trade deadline targets from no-brainer to risky move

Kyle Kuzma is a great fit on paper, but it could be a risky move

The Kings have been interested in Kyle Kuzma for quite some time now and according to YahooSports’ Jake Fisher, he is the only player Sacramento would consider moving Harrison Barnes for. 

On paper, he is a great fit. He is on a solid contract, first of all. Secondly, he is big, a good rebounder, and a solid defender when locked in. Offensively, his three-point percentage might be a concern, but he has shown promise earlier in his career and can reliably get his own shot. He is a more athletic and explosive player than Barnes at this point of his career and could really help the Kings take their game to the next level. 

The one concern is Kuzma’s commitment. Obviously, we are all just theorizing and don’t know what is actually going on in his head. What we do know, however, is that Kuzma could have come to Sacramento over the summer but decided to stay in Washington where he could be a top option. 

Many other things could have factored into that decision. Maybe he didn't want to move. Maybe he thought the team would be better than it turned out to be. Whatever it was, we always come back to the idea that Kuzma might not want to be a third or fourth option on the Kings’ roster. 

To be successful, the Kings would need him to run the floor, crash the boards, and be locked in defensively while not getting as many shots as he does right now. If he is not committed, it could cause problems, especially considering the price.