NBA Trade Rumors: Kyle Kuzma ‘wants out’ of Washington; will Wiz shop him?
NBA Trade Rumors: Kyle Kuzma may want out of Washington. If that’s the case, will the Wizards move forward with shopping him at the trade deadline?
The Washington Wizards have begun to fall back down to earth a bit over the last few weeks. After getting off to a respectable 10-7 start to the season, the Wizards have fallen off pace drastically and are only 1-9 in their last 10 games.
If their recent play continues, it will only bring about bigger questions for the team and this franchise moving forward. One of the biggest questions revolves around two of the team’s current core pieces, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma. Both are in line to be free agents after the season.
According to a recent report, Kuzma wants out of Washington and is eyeing a move to a big market when he hits free agency this offseason. Kuzma has a player option for next season but the expectation is that he will opt out and test free agency.
It’s ironic since Washington is technically a big market. It’s one that at least I would consider big, but perhaps not big enough for Kuzma. Either way, I suppose the big story here is that Kuzma may be eyeing his next landing spot. And if that’s the case, it would probably be in the best interest of the Wizards to try and trade him ahead of the deadline.
It would make even more sense considering the Wizards have begun to fade down the East standings. At the moment, Washington is 11-16 and sitting in 12th in the East.
Kyle Kuzma’s offensive numbers have been impressive in Washington
Since making the move to Washington, Kuzma has broken out as an offensive player. This season, he’s having his best year to date, averaging 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game on 46 percent shooting from the field.
There are still major questions about his defensive ability as a player but he’s been a huge weapon for the Wizards on the offensive end since he was acquired from Los Angeles.
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Heading into the offseason, Kuzma will likely be seeking a big-money deal. And that could make his situation all the more complicated heading into the trade deadline. At the very least, the Wizards should explore the trade market for Kuzma. Especially if the report that he wants out is indeed accurate.