Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Declining Option, Entering Free Agency

As expected, Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma intends to decline the $13 million player option on his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Kuzma could be sent elsewhere in a sign-and-trade or return to the Wizards on a new contract. It all seems like a mystery at this point.

Much of it will depend on new team president Michael Winger, who is already resetting the roster, as evidenced by the agreement on a Bradley Beal trade with the Suns. Those around the league say Washington believes it went as far as it could with the likes of Beal, Kuzma and others.

Kuzma, 27, spoke about his plans to opt out in search of a longer deal as far back as December. So this move really is a formality. Along with the Wizards, he has been linked to the Pacers and Rockets, among several others.

He averaged 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, shooting 45 percent from the field and 33 percent on 3-pointers, in 64 games this past season.

Kuzma joins Warriors forward Draymond Green and Raptors guard Fred VanVleet as notable players who are declining their player options to enter free agency on July 1.

As for the Wizards, well, they seem just fine with the idea of clearing salary at the moment.