NBA Rumors: Regardless of what happens the rest of the season, Kyle Kuzma intends on testing free agency during the offseason.
When the Los Angeles Lakers traded Kyle Kuzma (as part of the Russell Westbrook deal) to the Washington Wizards a couple of offseasons ago, it was assumed by many that perhaps the best days of his career were behind him.
However, something changed as soon as Kuzma arrived in Washington. Kuzma has looked like a different player with the Wizards. He looks more comfortable and it seems that a fresh start reignited his career.
It seems that getting away from the limelight that playing for the Lakers brings upon one was exactly what he needed during that point of his career. However, after two successful seasons in Washington, Kuzma may be ready for the spotlight again.
According to a recent report, Kuzma is ready to test free agency and intends to do so next summer.
Kyle Kuzma could be in for a big payday in free agency
Kuzma is having the best season of his career to date, averaging 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. At the ripe age of 27, you can make the argument that Kuzma is playing the best basketball of his career and is on the cusp of the best years of his career.
Kuzma has a $13 million player option for next season but it would be highly surprising if he didn’t decline it in an attempt to take advantage of this career year that he is having. He will likely easily demand a multi-year contract in the range of $20-25 million per season.
Whether he would be worth it remains to be seen but that’s just the market that has been set over the last few years in the league. Kuzma has been an extremely important and productive player for the Wizards this season and if this report is accurate and he does intend on testing free agency, you can’t help but wonder if that will alter the team’s decision-making ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline.
Either way, there are plenty of eyes on the Wizards heading into the trade deadline. And it seems this report regarding Kuzma will only add more intrigue heading into trade season.