Kyle Kuzma Is Done "Trying to Fit In" On the Wizards

So just what are the Washington Wizards trying to do with their rebuild? What is the direction of the team? Apparently, these are questions that star forward Kyle Kuzma has no interest in at this point, as the trade candidate has made a big decision that he is DONE trying to 'fit in' with the team.

Kyle Kuzma says he’s done trying to ‘fit in’ on the Wizards:

“I think today I just decided to be myself and not really try to fit into everything that we’re doing here… Just being more assertive, demanding the ball, not just going out there and trying to let people develop.… pic.twitter.com/SdRQSCIiyn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 26, 2025

“I think today I just decided to be myself and not really try to fit into everything that we’re doing here," said Kuzma this weekend, bluntly. "Just being more assertive, demanding the ball, not just going out there and trying to let people develop. Just playing my game.”

So, whatever kind of game the 6-38 Wizards are trying to play, Kuzma's patience has worn thin.

He made the comments after pouring in a season-high 30 points on 12-of-24 shooting on Saturday in a loss to the Phoenix Suns, while also tying a season-high with 11 rebounds and adding four assists. The 24 shots attempted is the second-highest amount he's taken this season.

The 29-year-old's minutes are down this year to 27.7 per game, about six minutes per game less than his average since coming to the Wizards four seasons ago.

But it sounds like he's done playing second-fiddle to the youngsters that the Wiz are trying to develop, like Bilal Coulibaly and rookies Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. They've all played heavy minutes, and of course, the team's record reflects that.

Will this new freestyling attitude of Kuzma improve the team's chances of trading him? It remains to be seen.

But with the deadline just a week and a half away, we should know in short order.