All eyes are on the 2023 NBA Draft ahead of Thursday’s event, but free agency is right around the corner, beginning on June 30. For players like Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma they’re already pondering their NBA future.
The 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft is set for free agency after four years with the Los Angeles Lakers and, most recently, two with the Wizards. While Kuzma hasn’t been able to gain playoff experience since leaving the Lakers via trade in 2021, he did enjoy a breakout season, posting a career-high in scoring in 2022.
- Kyle Kuzma’s stats last season: 21.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 33% 3PT
Set to turn 28 in July, Kuzma is entering free agency at the perfect time, where the 6-foot-9 power forward can expect a robust market. Coming off a three-year, $39 million contract, the Flint, Michigan native should have no trouble finding a better offer this summer.
According to Matt Moore of Action Network, league sources point to Kuzma asking for $30 million per season in contract discussions. The report adds teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz are just two of the organizations linked to the former Lakers star so far.
The Mavericks could be looking to replace Dwight Powell as the forward enters free agency. Utah is a more interesting fit, with 2022 All-Star Lauri Markkanen becoming a cornerstone with the Jazz, but they also have plenty of cap space this summer.
Either way, Kuzma shouldn’t have trouble generating interest. Seeing whether he reaches or exceeds $30 million will be just another footnote in what should be a fast-paced free agency.
Related: 4 ideal Kyle Kuzma landing spots in NBA free agency, including the Detroit Pistons