NBA Rumors: Wizards Star "Gettable" In Trade

As the Washington Wizards have stumbled in the past few weeks to near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, there's been a lot of buzz about breakout star Kyle Kuzma this season. Word has already circulated that he'll undoubtedly opt out of his contract to become a free agent at season's end. Now comes a report that the Wizards aren't likely to sit around and lose him for nothing. 

There's a rising belief league-wide that Kuzma is gettable between now and the Feb. 9 trade deadline... because the Wizards might ultimately be forced to concede that they have to trade him before the buzzer to ensure they don't lose him for nothing.

                                                                                    — NBA Insider Marc Stein 

Kuzma has already said that "he does not expect to sign an extension with the Wizards" before season's end. And according to Stein, "Based on the rumbles I've heard, I struggle to envision Kuzma wanting to stay in the nation's capital beyond this season.

There are a number of teams that will come calling on Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard to try to land Kuzma by Feb. 9th and there are, according to the early rumors, at least four teams to watch. 

The former Los Angeles Laker, traded to the Wizards as part of the package that sent Russell Westbrook to LA, is averaging a career-high 21.8 points, along with 7.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. 

He'll be leaving $13M on the table to pursue free agency, in which he'll undoubtedly land a huge raise. 

The Wizards recently came off a 10-game losing streak, and are now 13-21, in 12th spot in the Eastern Conference. 

Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports