Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has popped up in NBA rumors this summer, with the Sacramento Kings among the teams interested in the former first-round pick. However, the cost to acquire Kuzma could be higher than expected.
Kuzma, heading into his age-29 season, enjoyed another productive season in Washington. He averaged a career-high in scoring, thanks to a career-best 46.3 percent shooting from the field with a 77.5 percent free-throw rate.
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- Kyle Kuzma stats (ESPN): 22.2 PPG< 6.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 46.3% FG, 33.6% 3PT
The 6-foot-9 forward is no stranger to appearances in NBA trade rumors. This past season, Kuzma told The Athletic that he rejected a trade to the Dallas Mavericks in part because he didn’t view them as a championship contender. While Kuzma doesn’t have a no-trade clause, Washington respected his wishes
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Months later, the Wizards are listening to offers on Kuzma once again. Washington is committed to its multi-year rebuild and there’s no clear path to becoming a playoff contender. However, NBA teams interested in the veteran forward are encountering a high asking price.
- Kyle Kuzma contract: $23.522 million salary (2024-’25), $21.477 million salary (2025-’26), $19.431 million salary (2026-’27), 15% trade kicker
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, it’s believed that the Wizards would likely require multiple first-round picks in any deal to move Kuzma. Scotto also noted that the Kings are ‘among several teams’ that have called Washington to express interest in Kuzma.
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The price is heavily shaped by the Mikal Bridges trade, with the Brooklyn Nets receiving five first-round picks from the New York Knicks in exchange for the veteran forward. While Bridges and Kuzma offer different skill sets, both players have never received an All-Star selection.
Among the Kings trade targets, Kuzma seems to be third behind Brandon Ingram and Lauri Markkanen. When also factoring in Sacramento’s interest in a sign-and-trade for DeMar DeRozan, Kuzma seems to be a backup option for the Kings and several other NBA teams.
