It doesn’t look like the Phoenix Suns will be able to acquire small forward Kyle Kuzma this offseason, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Fischer says there no longer appears to be a pathway for the Suns to get Kuzma, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
“There no longer appears a pathway for the Suns to bring in Kyle Kuzma, whom Phoenix has targeted for several seasons, sources said,” Fischer wrote. “Kuzma has said he intends to decline his $13 million player option for 2023-24 to test free agency. You can chalk up Kuzma as another forward who’s being connected of late to both Indiana and Houston as a potential free-agent target.”
Kuzma averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Washington Wizards in 2022-23 while shooting 44.8% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 73.0% from the free-throw line. The 27-year-old is set to make much more on the open market than the $13 million he would have earned next season if he didn’t decline his player option.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Phoenix Suns Updates
A Michigan native, Kuzma has career averages of 16.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers and Wizards. He helped Los Angeles win the 2020 championship over the Miami Heat in six games at the Walt Disney World bubble in Orlando, Florida.
Kuzma is not expected to re-sign with the Wizards, who have a new president, Michael Winger. Washington is expected to rebuild this offseason. The first step is to trade All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal, who is working with Winger and Co.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Phoenix Suns Updates
Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he gets to choose his next team.
It will be fascinating to see where Kuzma is playing next season. The talented swingman has established himself as one of the top scorers in the NBA.
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