Wizards plan to re-sign Kyle Kuzma during 2023 offseason

The Washington Wizards will re-sign Kyle Kuzma during the 2023 offseason, according to sources. Washington was interested in pursuing Atlanta Hawks wing John Collins, but Kuzma’s contract is more important for logical reasons.

“Washington is another team that has expressed interest in Collins,” reported Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “But Wizards officials have stood firm that the franchise intends to keep Kyle Kuzma — a known Hawks target —past the trade deadline and hope to re-sign the high-scoring forward this offseason…”

Per a few NBA betting sites, the Wizards possess the sixth-lowest odds to win the championship. Sportsbooks are giving the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls better odds to qualify for the playoffs.

In Jake's report: "#Wizards officials have stood firm that the franchise intends to keep Kyle Kuzma — a known Hawks target —past the trade deadline and hope to re-sign the high-scoring forward this offseason… " #NBA https://t.co/9ehRr1q6L1

— Faisal Hassan (@Faazzla) January 12, 2023

Kuzma is expected to decline his $13 million player option of his current contract for the 2023-24 season. This is part of the three-year, $40 million extension he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. By opting out of his existing deal, the Wizards can offer Kuzma a multi-year contract.

In August 2021, the Lakers traded Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell to Washington for Russell Westbrook, a 2023 second-round draft pick, a 2024 second-round draft pick, and a 2028 second-rounder.

Wizards likely to retain Kyle Kuzma, re-sign breakout star during offseason after the 2022-23 season

Since that trade was made, neither Los Angeles nor the Wizards have qualified for the postseason. Westbrook is still recording triple-doubles and playing well enough from the bench this season. However, Kuzma’s latest performances have been just as impressive.

Through 41 starts this season, Kuzma is averaging career highs of 21.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 35 minutes per game. Along with logging 7.4 boards per contest, the wing is shooting a career-best 46.1% from the field and 33.7% from 3-point range.

The Lakers should have never traded Kyle Kuzma pic.twitter.com/dqfTv1jEaJ

— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) January 12, 2023

On Nov. 10, in the Wizards’ 113-105 win over the Dallas Mavericks, the 27-year-old recorded a season-high 36 points in 42 minutes played. In addition to logging 11 rebounds, six assists, and one steal, Kuzma shot 14-of-26 (53.8%) from the floor and 5-of-11 (45.5%) beyond the arc.

Although the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly interested in Kuzma, the asking price is high. Wizards G.M. Tommy Sheppard will not trade away his breakout star for peanuts. Cleveland might have to look elsewhere for a serviceable wing.