PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 132-130. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Former Lakers and now Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is a name to watch in the NBA trade market in coming weeks.
The Lakers finally moved on from Kuzma last week when they traded him and several others to the Washington Wizards to acquire former MVP Russell Westbrook. D.C. may not end up being his final landing spot, though.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Minnesota Timberwolves have “maintained strong interest” in Kuzma. If the Wizards want to move Kuzma ahead of the 2021 season, the Timberwolves would probably get in the mix.
“The Wolves have maintained strong interest in Kyle Kuzma for a while now, sources tell @JonKrawczynski,” reported The Athletic via Twitter. “If the Wizards are interested in relocating Kuz, ‘it would not be a surprise to see Gersson Rosas try to get back into the mix.'”
The Wolves have maintained strong interest in Kyle Kuzma for a while now, sources tell @JonKrawczynski.
If the Wizards are interested in relocating Kuz, "it would not be a surprise to see Gersson Rosas try to get back into the mix.”
More: https://t.co/RhwmyE0XXO pic.twitter.com/7NVFEZisQi
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) August 2, 2021
Kyle Kuzma’s name has been dragged through the mud these past few years. But the reality is he provides decent value, especially if coming off the bench.
Kuzma scored 12.9 points per game last season to go along with 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He was also significantly better on the defensive end this past year compared to his first few years in the NBA.
The Wizards may not want to ship Kuzma off just yet before seeing what he brings to the table later this year. If he becomes available, expect the Timberwolves to get into the mix.
