The Washington Wizards are playing at about the level many people thought that they would be coming into the 2022-23 season. There is some talent on the roster headlined by Bradley Beal, who re-signed on a supermax deal, and Kristaps Porzingis leading the way. Being in the NBA Play-In Tournament mix is what was expected of them, and thus far they are meeting those expectations.
One player that is going above and beyond is Kyle Kuzma. He is seeing the most opportunities thus far in his NBA career and making the most of them, averaging a career-high 21.4 points per game. If Kuzma can gain consistency in his 3-point shooting, he will push his per-game average even higher.
Not yet in his prime at 27, Kuzma has plenty of more productive years ahead of him. He is rounding out his stat line with 7.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, providing solid all-around production for the Wizards. However, there is a chance that he won’t be in Washington too long.
The scoring breakout could not have come at a better time for Kuzma, as he could be entering free agency in 2023. He possesses a player option on his contract and if he continues playing at this level, it would be a no-brainer to opt out and seek a lucrative long-term deal.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, there is also some trade interest in Kuzma around the league. Several teams have already expressed interest in him, including the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.
“Several teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, have expressed trade interest in Kuzma, according to league sources. By the same token, the Wizards have shown interest in Hawks forward John Collins, and the sides seriously discussed a potential deal last offseason, league sources added. Overall, this surely creates a possible decision for the Wizards during the season of holding onto the potential free-agent-to-be or exploring what’s out there.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns & Atlanta Hawks Updates
The Suns have been on the hunt for an upgrade in their frontcourt since they allowed Jae Crowder to leave the team as they are looking for a new home for him. Could a swap involving Crowder and Kuzma work for both sides? Kuzma’s skill set as a scoring forward would certainly be a welcomed addition to the Suns’ rotation.
Atlanta is a team that needs a little more shaking up. But, it is fair to question how good of a fit Kuzma would be there. He is an improving defender, but is he good enough to play heavy minutes alongside a sieve such as Trae Young?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns & Atlanta Hawks Updates
That could put a ton of pressure on Dejounte Murray and whoever starts at the other forward spot. Also, if Kuzma is limited to the same opportunities that Collins has been with the Hawks this season and in most recent ones, he likely wouldn’t be too fond of landing in Atlanta.
