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3 obvious reasons the Knicks shouldn’t trade for Kyle Kuzma

By Zachary Bachar

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at Capital One Arena on November 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards celebrates after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks at Capital One Arena on November 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Julius Randle of the New York Knicks (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Julius Randle of the New York Knicks (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

2. Both frontcourt positions are already locked up

Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson have both performed better than expectations this year. Randle is averaging 22.6 points per game with a true shooting percentage of 58.8%, which is his highest mark as a Knick.

Meanwhile, Robinson ranks within the top 15 in both blocks and offensive rebounds among all players this season. This is even more impressive when you take into account the fact that he’s missed eight games.

Kuzma has spent 97% of his minutes playing either power forward or center over the past two seasons in Washington. His 6’9″, 221-pound frame allows him to match up with most forwards and also occasionally operate as an offensive-minded big in ultra-small lineups.

Given that neither Randle nor Robinson would likely be involved in a Kuzma trade, he’d need to slot in as the starting small forward.

He’s only played the majority of his minutes at small forward in one season, his 2020-21 campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuzma had a net rating of -0.6 that year, the worst mark on the entire team (minimum 20 games played).

This would also force RJ Barrett into the starting shooting guard position where he has struggled to defend smaller, quicker players.

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