When it comes to the forward market in 2023 NBA free agency, Kyle Kuzma could be one of the top players available with interested teams getting a player just entering the prime of his career.
Since entering the league in 2017, Kyle Kuzma has been a productive player at his position. However, the first-round pick for the Los Angeles Lakers could never seemingly take that next step forward to become a top-two player on his team.
However, that changed this past season, just in time for a jump into free agency. In 2022-2023 for the Washington Wizards, Kyle Kuzma averaged career highs in minutes (35.0), points (21.2), assists (3.7), and his second-best rebound numbers (7.2). He did all this while playing with a couple of high-level scorers in Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.
This past season showed he can elevate his game to an All-Star level and do so while not being the focal point of an offense. It makes him appealing to contenders looking for one more piece to a championship puzzle or for rebuilding squads hoping to find this off-season’s Jalen Brunson — a player with serious potential who can break through to an elite level.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at four teams likely to make a serious pursuit of Kyle Kuzma in NBA free agency 2023.
Related: NBA trade tracker with grades
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are expected to be major players in free agency this summer since they have some of the most cap space available. While they are expected to prioritize a reunion with James Harden, they have the type of space where they could go after a second-tier free agent as well. Which is why Kyle Kuzma could be an option.
Since the team badly wants to get back to the playoffs and be a consistent competitor again, pairing Kuzma with Harden would do that and alleviate the pressure and responsibility that has been on young players like Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. the last couple of years.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are another lottery team that will have a boatload of cash to throw at free agents. Part of their bad play this season was due to being without Cade Cunningham throughout their campaign. However, last year’s rookie of the year needs help and can’t be the team’s 1A just yet. Neither can veteran Bojan Bogdanovic.
- Kyle Kuzma stats (’22-’23): 21.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 33% 3PT
That’s why Kuzma could be what Julius Randle was for the Knicks three years ago. A very talented player that is given the opportunity to finally be the man and prove his All-Star potential for a young and potential-rich Detroit club.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz still seem to be in a rebuild, but they could look to push their timeline ahead by signing Kyle Kuzma. He certainly makes them better but without having to shell out max player money. In Washington, he showed he can share with another gifted scorer, so a Kuzma and Lauri Markkanen combo could be quite formidable next season.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are expected to bring back troubled-veteran Miles Bridges. However, if they don’t and choose to go in a different direction, Kyle Kuzma could bring another talented forward for point guard LaMelo Ball to play off of. While signing him doesn’t guarantee they are a playoff team next season, it does make them better at a cost that is more in their price range.