Small forward Kyle Kuzma is now becoming a more realistic target for the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with their full mid-level exception, according to NBA insider Evan Dammarell of Right Down Euclid.
Kuzma has declined his 2023-24 player option with the Washington Wizards, so he will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
“Instead, keep an eye on free agency, with multiple sources saying Kuzma is now becoming a more realistic target for Cleveland to sign with their full mid-level exception,” Dammarell wrote. “Those same sources said that the Utah Jazz, the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets could also be in the mix for Kuzma and, more importantly, offer the high-scoring forward more money in free agency.
“Ultimately, it chalks up to how much Kuzma prioritizes winning on the court over winning whenever he checks his bank account. He would be a near-seamless fit alongside Mobley and Allen and could give the Cavaliers a lot more fluidity rotation-wise. Kuzma’s shooting would give Cleveland a ton of spacing and his playmaking acumen would also unlock offensive wrinkles they weren’t capable of before.”
Kuzma averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the 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.
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.
The Cavaliers won 51 games this past season. However, they lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Phoenix Suns Updates
Cleveland star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell is friends with Kuzma, so we’ll see if Mitchell recruits Kuzma to the Cavaliers once free agency starts.
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