G Fiume/Getty Images
The Washington Wizards are reportedly “eager to find a trade partner for Kyle Kuzma” before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Per Stein, it is believed that Kuzma wants to leave the Wizards as they face a tough 4-22 season and look ahead to the loaded 2025 NBA Draft.
Some rival teams at the G League Showcase inquired about the Dallas Mavericks possibly pursuing Kuzma, as they are exploring frontcourt upgrades, though this has been dismissed, per Stein.
Following the team’s 122-113 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 7, Kuzma’s teammate Jordan Poole spoke about the team’s motivation moving forward after enduring a winless November.
“So, you don’t want to jump ship, just because it’s a little bit of adversity because everything that we’ve been getting taught all season, just happened to show tonight,” Poole told reporters after the game. “So, hopefully, it’s a good sign. We can find ways to, like I said, replicate that, continue to be engaged, but really embrace this. Soak this in, and see how we got it done.”
Kuzma has also been linked to the Sacramento Kings, who reportedly have him on their radar along with several other players, including Jerami Grant, John Collins, and Jonas Valančiūnas, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater.
The 29-year-old’s last full game was on Nov. 26 in the Wizards’ 127-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls, where Kuzma recorded 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Kuzma will miss his 10th straight game on Monday due to a rib injury, as the Wizards face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The eighth-year player has been averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists this season while shooting 42 percent from the field.
Leave a Reply