Wizards Rumors: Kyle Kuzma Seen as 'Lock' to Decline $13M Contract Option, Enter FA

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is widely expected to decline his $13 million player option to become a free agent, per NBA reporter Marc Stein.

"Kyle Kuzma, meanwhile, continues to be regarded leaguewide as a lock to decline his $13 million player option for next season and become one of the more interesting unrestricted free agents in the marketplace. It is not yet clear, however, whether the Wizards' new brain trust has interest in re-signing Kuzma or if it will look to execute a sign-and-trade."

The six-year veteran spent the first four years of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to the Wizards in a deal that notably sent Russell Westbrook to L.A.

Kuzma, who will turn 28 on July 24, averaged 21.2 points (on 44.8 percent shooting) and 7.2 rebounds per game for the Wizards last season.

As Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington noted in April, Kuzma is in line for a big deal, especially after a career-best season that continued his rise from reserve in L.A. to full-time starter in Washington.

"Kuzma, though, will surely have plenty of options. He's played his way into a prime opportunity to cash in on what could be the best contract of his career, a multi-year deal that may reach nine figures. He is an ascending player who has proven he can be a key ingredient on a winning team who draws rave reviews as a teammate both on and off the court."

Kuzma said he plans to go through the full free agent process, per Hughes, though a return to Washington would be on the table.

"It's 100 percent an option...I've had a great time here," Kuzma said. "I've developed my game significantly here and there's good people here. I'd be a fool to say it's not an option for me."

Ultimately, Kuzma is about to get paid after a fantastic season. He's proven capable of being a consistent 20-point-per-game scorer who has potential for even greater offensive success.