The Washington Wizards didn’t make any noticeable changes to the roster last week at the NBA trade deadline but they apparently came close to sending their biggest star away.
According to The Athletic, the Wizards nearly traded Kyle Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks.
In fact, the deal was all set but it was Kuzma who squashed it because he felt that the team didn’t fit into his plans.
Speaking with Josh Robbins, via NBACentral, Kuzma said.
“In my career, I won a championship. So, I understand that when we play this game of basketball it’s not about contending for a playoff spot. It’s about contending for an NBA championship. There’s only like three or four contenders — true contenders. I just felt like our timelines didn’t line up.”
Kyle Kuzma stated that his timeline did not align with that of the Mavericks
“In my career, I won a championship. So, I understand that when we play this game of basketball it’s not about contending for a playoff spot. It’s about contending for an NBA championship. There’s only… pic.twitter.com/SMgzUnV4aW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 13, 2024
Because Kuzma felt that the Mavericks weren’t going to give him access to another championship ring, he told the Wizards that he wanted to remain in D.C. and they honored his wish.
Kuzma won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2020.
Because of that, he knows what the thrill of victory feels like and he wants it again.
He isn’t going to commit to any team unless it’s ready to go all the way to the NBA Finals and win.
Of course, the Wizards won’t be that team so it’s clear that Kuzma is open to the idea of leaving, but only for the right destination.
He said that there are three or four contenders in the league right now – will any of them want to sign the star?
Because of the Wizards’ openness to trading Kuzma, along with these comments, everyone will be watching to see if he leaves Washington in the offseason.
Will he make his way back to a true championship contender?
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