Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma could become a more realistic target for the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign, but other teams could also be in the mix for the Washington forward, Right Down Euclid Editor-in-Chief Evan Dammarell wrote in a Tuesday article.
“Instead, keep an eye on free agency, with multiple sources saying Kuzma is now becoming a more realistic target for Cleveland to sign with their full mid-level exception,” Dammarell wrote. “Those same sources said that the Utah Jazz, the Detroit Pistons and the Houston Rockets could also be in the mix for Kuzma and, more importantly, offer the high-scoring forward more money in free agency.”
Kyle Kuzma, a former first-round pick from the Utah Utes, has played in 406 games and started in 276 during his six-year NBA career. The 6-foot-9-inch forward averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per outing in 64 games played and started for the Wizards last season. Kuzma, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, forward Montrezl Harrell and the No. 22 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft were traded to Washington for guard Russell Westbrook and two second-round picks in 2021.
Kyle Kuzma signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He will have a $13 million player option for the 2023-24 season with a deadline of June 21.
The 27-year-old forward could fill a need at the small forward for the Cavs if he is willing to sign a deal that can fit with Cleveland’s $12.2 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level exception. He will have to improve his 44.9% career field goal percentage from the field and his career 33.8% from the 3-point line to become a more reliable option for the Cavs. But having a scoring forward like Kyle Kuzma can boost a team whose offensive rating, or a stat that “measures a team’s points scored per 100 possessions,” took dead last among teams who made the NBA playoffs at 101.9.