For Kyle Kuzma, his impending free agency status is much inclined on fulfilling his needs for growth rather than cashing out from a lucrative paycheck.
Conducting his exit interview this season with Washington Wizards president Tommy Sheppard on Saturday, Kuzma revealed that he plans to position himself in a place that can help him develop and contribute towards winning.
“I’m just trying to be myself. I’m trying to get better every year. It’s not about money, I’m going to get paid regardless anywhere [I go] and here, too,” Kuzma said, per NBC Sports’ Chase Hughes. “It’s about can I come into work every day and be the best version of myself, can I help lead guys, can I make other players better, can I light up rooms. All those things matter when you’re trying to be successful.”
Washington’s intent to re-sign Kuzma has been determined all season long. The forward, who still has a $13MM player option next year, is slated to opt it out and capitalize his breakout year this 2022-23.
In 64 games played as a Wizard, Kuzma is averaging career highs in points (21.2), assists (3.7), and minutes (35.0) while grabbing 7.2 boards and shooting 44.8 percent shooting from the field. He emerged as an important player and was placed alongside Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis as D.C.’s core components.
Although the Wizards endured another tough campaign of postseason disappearance, this doesn’t stop Kuzma to consider the club that helped him develop further.
“It’s 100 percent an option… I’ve had a great time here,” Kuzma said “I’ve developed my game significantly here and there’s good people here. I’d be a fool to say it’s not an option for me.”
