In an interview with Josh Robbins of The Athletic, Kyle Kuzma disclosed that he explicitly requested the Washington Wizards not to trade him to the Dallas Mavericks during the recent NBA trade deadline.
When Michael Winger, an executive at the Wizards, informed Kuzma about the potential trade arrangement to send him to the Mavericks, Kuzma promptly expressed his desire to remain with the Wizards.
“There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me. Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn’t want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it.”
Last summer, the Wizards inked Kuzma to a substantial four-year contract worth $90 million, structured with a declining annual salary.
Despite a valiant effort from Kuzma, the Mavericks secured a victory over the Wizards in their recent matchup on February 12th, closing the game with a final score of 112-104. Kuzma contributed significantly with 23 points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes of play, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Throughout this season, Kuzma has showcased his versatility, averaging 21.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 45.6% from the field, 32.9% from three-point range, and 80.1% from the free-throw line. His annual salary stands at $25.6 million.
As the Wizards struggle with the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference at 9-44, the Dallas Mavericks hold a more favorable position, currently occupying the eighth spot in the Western Conference with a record of 31-23.
Kyle Kuzma boasts impressive career statistics, averaging 17.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists during his tenure with both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Wizards. Notably, he clinched the NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020.
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