Kyle Kuzma declining player option with Wizards

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is declining his player option and will become a free agent, according to a Tuesday tweet from ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. 

"ESPN Sources: As expected, Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has declined his $13M player option and become a free agent," Wojnarowski wrote. "Kuzma will be one of the marketplace's most prominent players. A return to Washington on a new deal remains a possibility."

Kuzma, the former 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, played in 406 games and started in 276 over his six-year NBA career, according to Basketball Reference. 

He played and started in 64 games for the Wizards last season. The former standout for the Utah Utes averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game during his second season with Washington.

Kuzma signed a three-year, $40M contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He was traded to the Wizards in 2021. The trade deal sent Kuzma, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, forward Montrezl Harrell and the No. 22 pick of the 2021 NBA Draft in exchange for guard Russell Westbrook and two second-round selections.

The move leaves Washington with 11 players who at least have the option of returning to Washington, according to sports salary and contract site Spotrac. Forward Kristaps Porzingis is listed with a player option with a deadline of June 21. Guard Chris Paul is listed with a partially-guaranteed deal for the 2023-24 season.

The 6-foot-9 forward can be a solid option at the small or the power forward for any team that can afford his asking price. He will need to improve his scoring efficiency after he shot 44.8% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point line last season. But Kuzma could be an ideal fit for a contending team in need of an extra scoring punch.