NBA champion Kyle Kuzma is re-signing with the Washington Wizards on a four-year, $102 million contract.
Kuzma was linked to the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets, but the swingman is staying with the Wizards despite the franchise trading All-Stars Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.
Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, while Porzingis was sent to the Boston Celtics. The Wizards acquired Tyus Jones in the three-team trade with the Grizzlies and Celtics.
There were many people in the NBA who thought Kuzma would go to the Rockets since Houston has the most cap space. However, Kuzma got a huge payday from the Wizards and their new president, Michael Winger.
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 was 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 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 will be the No. 1 option on offense next season for the Wizards. It will be fascinating to see if he’s able to garner any All-Star consideration.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma & Washington Wizards Updates
The Wizards acquired Jordan Poole from the Golden State Warriors in the Chris Paul trade. Kuzma and Poole are now the two best players in Washington. The Wizards won’t win a lot of games next season, but Kuzma and Poole will likely both average over 20 points.
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