The future of Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma remains in flux as the Feb. 9 trade deadline looms. Earlier this week, Marc Stein reported belief around the league is growing that Kuzma is “gettable” in a trade before the deadline.
However, Michael Sotto of Hoops Hype reports Kuzma is viewed as a “big part” of the Wizards’ future internally. Sotto adds the Wizards believe “they’re a more talented team than the record has shown to this point.”
Kuzma has blossomed individually since being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Wizards before last season. In his second year in Washington, Kuzma is averaging a career-high 21.6 points per game. He also tallies 7.6 rebounds and a career-best 3.5 assists in 34 games.
Washington is excited about the combination of Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Kuzma. Yet, injuries have marred the season. The Wizards recently dropped ten straight games this month, including six games without Beal.
But with the return of Beal and other key role players, including Delon Wright, the Wizards have won three of their last four games. Tuesday, the Wizards stunningly snapped the Philadelphia 76ers’ eight-game win streak. However, Beal left the game in the fourth quarter with a left hamstring injury.
The Wizards have a record of 14-21 heading into Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.
Kuzma reportedly plans to decline his player option for the 2023-24 season and enter free agency. The 6-foot-9 forward is seeking a new deal that pays $20 million annually. He is currently in the second of a three-year deal, paying him $13 million annually.
If the Wizards decide to hang on to Kuzma through the season, they risk losing him next summer. Getting back on track and into the Eastern Conference playoff picture will go a long way toward what cards Washington plays with Kuzma before Feb. 9.
