Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has declined his $13 million player option for the 2023-24 season and will become a free agent, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports. Kuzma had until Tuesday to decide on his option.
Kuzma signed a three-year, $39 million extension in 2020 while still a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Lakers sent Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell to the Wizards as part of the Russell Westbrook trade before the 2021-22 season, when the contract extension started.
Kuzma flourished in an enlarged role with Washington. In his first season with the Wizards, Kuzma averaged 17.1 points and a career-high 8.5 rebounds in 66 games. This past season, Kuzma increased his scoring up to a career-high 21.2 points while being the Wizards’ third scoring option behind Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis. Kuzma also averaged 7.2 rebounds and a career-best 3.7 assists in 64 games.
Kuzma unquestionably outplayed the $13 million due next season. Now he’ll seek upward of $25 million per season on a multi-year deal. Returning to the Wizards is still an option. Yet, the Wizards just traded the team’s cornerstone Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns for 12-time All-Star Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, two draft swamps, and multiple second-round draft picks.
The expectation is Paul will reroute to another team in a trade. Also, Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 23.2 points per game in 2022-23, holds a $36 million player option for next season. He is likely to opt out and test free agency as well.
The Wizards appear headed to a rebuild. Washington is skimming salaries to create cap space. But Kuzma’s age, recent breakout seasons, and contract value make him interesting for Washington.
Kyle Kuzma, 27, is emerging out of the shadows of the Lakers. He also proved to be viable to a contending team, winning an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. At 6-foot-10, he expanded his scoring range, shooting a respectable 33.8% from three.
There should be a market for Kuzma. Where he goes may depend on what his goals are moving forward.
