The Sacramento Kings could go after small forward Kyle Kuzma in free agency, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Kuzma declined his 2023-24 player option with the Washington Wizards, so he becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
“The name that’s gained plenty of momentum as a potential Sacramento target is Kuzma, who once thrived down the road in Los Angeles and was nearly dealt to the Kings in 2021 before the Lakers rerouted Kuzma to the Wizards instead and acquired Russell Westbrook,” Fischer wrote.
Even with a new deal for Sabonis, plus the Kings expectation to bring back versatile forward Trey Lyles, sources said, Sacramento could have more than $25 million to play with in cap room, according to salary projections provided to Yahoo Sports.
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. 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 & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Sacramento Kings 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 seeking a major payday in free agency. As Matt Moore of the Action Network reported, there is a belief around the NBA that Kuzma is seeking $30 million per season on his next contract.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Sacramento Kings Updates
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. The Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets are also expected to meet with Kuzma once free agency starts, sources told NBA Analysis Network.
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