Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards exchange players as KCP heads off to join MVP Nikola Jokic in Denver

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2 years ago

The Denver Nuggets and the Washington Wizards exchange two players each, as both look to get better ahead of the next season.

According to sources, the Washington Wizards have agreed to a trade for guards Will Barton and Monte Morris of the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.

With Jamal Murray coming back from injury and Bones Hyland emerging as a star, the Nuggets decided to trade away Monte Morris. KCP was also brought in by them, as he’ll be a better fit next to Nikola Jokic as a 3 & D guy on the team.

On the other hand, the Washington Wizards continue their pursuit to provide Bradley Beal with more weapons, as they look to make a push toward the playoffs next season.

Last season, Barton averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while playing in all 71 games for the Nuggets. Morris played in 75 games for Denver, starting 74 of them, while averaging 12.6, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Caldwell-Pope played and started 77 games for Washington during his first full season with the Wizards. He had a game average of 13.2, 3.4, and 1.9 rebounds. Ish Smith played just 28 games for Washington last season, mostly in a backup position. He averaged 6.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Kyle Kuzma reacted to losing KCP from the Washington Wizards

Together, Kyle Kuzma and KCP won the NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. They were later traded together in the deal for the Washington Wizards. KCP had been there with Kuzma since Kuzma was drafted into the NBA, and he’s going to miss him.

_{LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 20: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers high-fives Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 after the game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on February 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)}

Talking about KCP, Kyle Kuzma said, “My brother for life!!!! Was my vet when I first came into the league and been locked ever since! Happy for you! Joker got a knockdown shooter and Winner. Go get it pimp!!”

On other hand, he was also delighted with the acquisition of Monte Morris. Kuzma and Morris played on the same school team and dreamt of playing together in the NBA.

Talking about Monte Morris, Kuzma said, “On the the other end! I get a brother back! Monte and I were in second grade together and at 8 years old we said we would play on the same NBA team together! LIFE IS A SIMULATION.”

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