Sixers Rival Wizards One Step Closer to Losing Kyle Kuzma

It’s been quite the offseason already for the Washington Wizards. After re-shaping their front office, Washington made the first big blockbuster move of the offseason last week.

Over the weekend, it was reported the Wizards are finally set to part ways with their star guard, Bradley Beal. Despite being a rumored trade piece over the last few seasons, Beal never found himself moved.

Last summer, the Wizards went as far as inking Beal to a max contract and even offered him a no-trade clause. However, Beal was willing to waive the clause for the right situation. Now, Beal is set to join the Phoenix Suns for next season.

The three-time All-Star was just the first domino to fall in Washington’s eventful offseason. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma had declined his $13 million player option for next season.

With that move, Kuzma is set to hit free agency in a couple of weeks.

Kuzma’s decision to decline his option doesn’t come as a surprise. Since midway through the 2022-2023 season, Kuzma was widely expected to hit the open market this summer. With his decision now official, Kuzma will be free to join any team next month.

Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers would be unlikely to get involved in the upcoming Kuzma sweepstakes. Currently, the Sixers have multiple starting forwards under contract in PJ Tucker and Tobias Harris.

While the Sixers could be on a path to cutting ties with Tobias Harris this year, it would take a trade to move off of his contract. And in the event that happens, the Sixers still would have a hard time finding a way to pay Kozma’s possible demands.

Since leaving the Los Angeles Lakers via trade in 2021, Kuzma has established himself as one of the NBA’s rising stars at his position. In his first season with the Wizards, Kuzma averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in 66 games.

Last year, the veteran forward put up a career-high of 21 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 64 games of action. There will certainly be a market for Kuzma, and his services won’t come cheap for any inquiring teams.

As for the Wizards, they continue to show signs of heading toward a full rebuild.