The Houston Rockets “have the edge” in signing small forward Kyle Kuzma in free agency, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
Kuzma becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30. He declined his 2023-24 player option with the Washington Wizards, who are rebuilding under new president Michael Winger. Washington has already traded All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns and power forward Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics.
The Rockets have over $60 million in cap space. Kuzma is also drawing interest from the Sacramento Kings.
“There’s growing momentum that the Rockets will have the edge in signing unrestricted free agent Kyle Kuzma, league sources tell B/R,” Haynes wrote. “The Sacramento Kings have also shown interest in Kuzma. They’re one of the few teams with the type of cap space to offer the veteran forward the salary he’s seeking.”
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 considerably 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 & Houston Rockets 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.
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.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards & Houston Rockets Updates
Since the Rockets have over $60 million in cap space, they are expected to be aggressive in free agency. Along with Kuzma, Houston has been heavily linked to All-Star point guard Fred VanVleet and forward Dillon Brooks.
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