According to recent reports, an NBA source seem to believe that Washington Wizards star Kyle Kuzma may want out from the team in favor of a contending team. This comes ahead of free agency where he is expected to seek a large pay day.
An NBA source believes Kyle Kuzma ‘wants out’ of DC, per @EricPincus
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2022
"He's looking for over $20 million a season and in a big market [or with a contender]." pic.twitter.com/Uy6N8hnUjh
This is a back breaker for the Washington Wizards as Kuzma is in the midst of the best season of his career. He is averaging 21.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season while playing solid defense and his shooting splits aren’t bad either. He has been key for the Wizards this season.
These reports will likely mean that the Wizards become very likely to move on from the potential All-Star. He has already been involved in numerous trade rumors as the Wizards have not been good to start the season and he was already on an expiring contract. The most prominent rumors have been including the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Phoenix Suns.
All of these teams fit the profile as a contending team, or at least a bigger market for the sake of the Knicks. This makes each of these teams likely to move for Kuzma with the hopes of keeping him around in free agency.
Moving Kuzma may be difficult as his impact far outweighs the monetary value his contract, he is a borderline All-Star with the ability to play any role a team needs of him for only $13 million. Any team should want a player like him on this kind of contract.
Despite being a fan favorite, the odds of Kyle Kuzma staying with the Washington Wizards were never great.
Most experts and fans expected Kuzma to leave in free agency anyway but there was always at least a little optimism that he may decide to stay after his newfound personal success. This, unfortunately, does not seem to be the case.
In his short time with the Wizards, he has become a fan favorite as he is fun to watch and contributes to the team in numerous different ways. He is a player not many want to see leave, but at the same time most fans understand why he may be moved.
While this is a backbreaking situation for the Washington Wizards, it may just solidify their need to move Kyle Kuzma. They may just need to catapult off of this into