US reporter: Kuzma's trading enthusiasm has declined, he may join the Kings

Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma's popularity in the trade market has continued to decline recently, NBA insider Brett Siegel reported on Saturday.

The Washington Wizards have had a sluggish season and are currently ranked last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 6 wins and 30 losses. The 29-year-old Kuzma has played 19 games during this period, averaging 14.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.58 rebounds per game. Steals, shooting percentage (44.2%) and three-point shooting percentage (25.9%) both hit career lows.

All signs indicate that the Wizards are willing to listen to any trade offer for Kuzma. The team was close to sending Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks last season, but terminated the deal at the player's request. Kuzma has just signed a contract with the Mavericks this season. The Mavericks are open to it, but his salary of $23.52 million is difficult to match the Mavericks' current under-cap space of only $500,000.

The Mavericks also brought in another forward, PJ Washington, through a trade last season, and have no intention of trading players such as Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and Maxi Kleber in order to get Kuzma.

According to Brett Siegel, the Sacramento Kings are currently Kuzma's most likely destination, provided they fail to trade for Cameron Johnson from the Nets. As for other potential trading parties, the Lakers and Warriors are in the process of signing Kuzma. After introducing Dorian Finley-Smith and Dennis Schroder, the Pacers gave up the pursuit of Kuzma, and the Pacers temporarily shelved the relevant negotiations. Although the Houston Rockets were one of Kuzma's potential suitors, Their interest in Kuzma has waned significantly since acquiring rookie Reid Sheppard.