The fit for Indiana is apparent. Kuzma is just now entering his prime, he is on a reasonable contract, and the Pacers desperately need a wing with size. They are one starter away from being a dangerous playoff team. Kuzma could be that starter.
But, presumably, both sides and the fans knew about the possibility of Kuzma being traded after he re-signed a 4-year contract with a rebuilding team. If the Wizards receive a young player of interest and a first-round pick in such a deal, they would gladly trade Kuzma, especially since it would likely mean bottoming out this season and increasing their lottery odds.
A trade machination that makes sense for both sides looks like this: Indiana gets their guy, and the Wizards land sharpshooter Buddy Hield who is on an expiring contract, Aaron Nesmith, an intriguing wing with some two-way potential, and a protected first-round pick from the Pacers.
The most important asset the Wizards receive in this proposed deal is the first-round pick. Depending on the protections of the pick, this could be a very valuable draft asset. Potentially adding another lottery pick into the coffers would be very important for the future of the Wizards.
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