Surprising Kyle Kuzma Trade Talk Amid Breakout

The Washington Wizards are playing at about the level many people thought they would come into the 2022-2023 season. There is some talent on the roster with headliner Bradley Beal, who re-signed on a supermax deal, and Kristaps Porzingis leading the way. Participating in the NBA Play-In Tournament mix is ​​what has been expected of them, and so far they have lived up to those expectations.

One player who goes above and beyond is Kyle Kuzma. He sees the most opportunities in his NBA career so far and makes the most of it, averaging 21.4 points per game. If Kuzma can get consistency in his 3-point shooting, he’ll push his average per game even higher.

At 27, Kuzma is not yet in his prime, but he has many more productive years ahead of him. He rounds out his stats with 7.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, making for a solid all-around production for the Wizards. However, chances are he won’t be in Washington for too long.

The scoreline breakout couldn’t have come at a better time for Kuzma, as he could enter free agency in 2023. He has a player option on his contract and if he continues to play at this level it would be a good idea to choose. looking for a lucrative long term deal.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, there is also some trading interests in Kuzma throughout the league. Several teams have already expressed interest in him, including the Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks.

“Several teams, such as the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, have shown trading interest in Kuzma, according to league sources. Similarly, the Wizards have expressed interest in Hawks forward John Collins, and the sides seriously discussed a potential deal last season, league sources added. Overall, this certainly creates a possible decision for the Wizards during the season to either hang onto the potential free-agent-in-the-making or explore what’s out there.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns & Atlanta Hawks Updates

The Suns have been on the hunt for an upgrade in their frontcourt since they allowed Jae Crowder to leave the team as they look for a new home for him. Could a trade with Crowder and Kuzma work for both sides? Kuzma’s skills as a scoring forward would certainly be a welcome addition to the Suns’ rotation.

Atlanta is a team that needs a little more shake-up. But it’s fair to wonder how fit Kuzma would be there. He’s a defender who’s getting better and better, but is he good enough to play heavy minutes alongside a sieve like Trae Young?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns & Atlanta Hawks Updates

That could put a huge strain on Dejounte Murray and anyone starting in the other forward spot. And if Kuzma is limited to the same opportunities Collins has had this season and most recently with the Hawks, he probably wouldn’t be too keen on landing in Atlanta.