Kyle Kuzma is a player that several franchises had set their eyes on before the market closed. With the Wizards somewhat off the hook for the postseason, his possible exit to free agency this summer and his good performance, the power forward seemed like a good option for several franchises to take a leap in quality, but it seems that this it will not be possible. As reported by Jake Fischer, a journalist for yahoo sportsfrom Washington they have made it clear to those interested that the player is currently non-transferable, presumably because they intend to negotiate his renewal.
The ex of the Lakers could sign a player option for the 23-24 season worth 13 million dollars, but with his 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4 assists average, it is more than likely that he will go on the market in search of a better contract. If the Wizards had no intention of giving him that higher salary, now would certainly be the time to sell, but the signs are that they are fully satisfied with his game and will do whatever they can to continue his relationship. In this sense, the departure of Rui Hachimura has only confirmed this desire, since it implies getting rid of the young player with similar characteristics for whom they could have bet in his place.
The Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks are some of the teams that had tried to negotiate this transfer with Washington, and now they will have to look for other alternatives to improve their rosters. The option to get Kuzma will appear again in free agency, although if the Wizards are so clear about this decision, it may be because Kyle has let them know his desire to continue. This could be fully guaranteed if he signed an extension with the team, but it also seems unlikely that such a thing will happen, since his financial aspirations in such a deal would be less than what he would have as a free agent.
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