Kyle Kuzma Linked To Western Conf. Contender In Free Agency (+ Top 3 Suitors)

With the Washington Wizards officially in rebuild mode, free agent Kyle Kuzma is ready to move on. And after a career year, he'll have no shortage of suitors. Kuzma opted out off his $13M player option for the coming season to hit the open market. He'll be in for a big raise. 

He averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 2022-23, taking on the biggest role of his six-year career. 

A look now at three top landing spots for Kuz, including a frontrunner out west:

Sacramento Kings

Kyle Kuzma has “gained plenty of momentum” as a potential Kings target, per @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/56aLSt4WYu

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 28, 2023

NBA Insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports pegs the Kings as a top suitor, saying Kuzma has “gained plenty of momentum” with upstart Western Conference contender.

Kuzma's talents at forward would fit perfectly with established Kings stars De'Aaron Fox at guard and Domantas Sabonis in the middle. 

Indiana Pacers

A team with plenty of cap space to make Kuzma a competitive offer, the Pacers are looking to improve their scoring from the forward spot. The Pacers are expected to have about $27M in cap space this offseason. With a locked-in backcourt of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana would love to add another 20-point scorer, and the forward Kuzma fits the bill. 

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs wouldn't be able to sign him outright, but maybe they can work out a sign-and-trade with the Wizards. While Doncic (and Irving, if he re-signs) take care of the scoring in the backcourt, Kuzma would be a nice complement with his offense in the frontcourt, as well as adding a little much-need defense on the wing for Dallas. 

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports