An anonymous NBA source believes that Kyle Kuzma wants to seize his value as he is set to determine his future in the offseason.
“He wants out,” the source told Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus. “He’s looking for over $20 million a season and in a big market [or with a contender].”
Kuzma remains stapled in the Washington Wizards as part of their core with Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. This season, he is averaging a career-high in points (20.8) and efficiency (45.8 percent) to go with 7.5 boards and 3.6 assists in 25 games played.
Kuzma has a player option for next season and could opt out to test the free agency waters with his output rising.
Pincus pointed out that Kuzma is still believed to be on the Sacramento Kings’ radar amid failed trade attempt to land him last year. The Los Angeles Lakers meanwhile are a team to watch also given the forward’s familiarity with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and their shared title run back in 2020.
Further, the Phoenix Suns could be on the hunt by offering the estranged Jae Crowder and Cam Johnson, who is still recovering from his meniscus injury and set to become a restricted free agent in the summer. And lastly, the New York Knicks stands as a potential suitor with Kuzma’s agent, Austin Brown of CAA, who had close collaboration with team president Leon Rose prior his joining to the franchise.
