Kyle Kuzma Trade Rumors Heat Up After Kings Owner Interaction

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A pregame fist bump between Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma and Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé has reignited speculation about Kuzma’s future as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The interaction occurred Sunday night before the Kings defeated the Wizards 123-100, marking Washington’s 10th consecutive loss.

Kuzma, 29, has been a focal point of trade rumors for years, with the Kings frequently mentioned as a potential suitor. However, Kuzma downplayed the significance of the exchange, explaining that he and Ranadivé recently invested in a new women’s professional volleyball league. “It’s just a friendly greeting,” Kuzma told reporters after the game. “We’re business partners in Major League Volleyball, so it’s nothing more than that.”

Despite Kuzma’s explanation, the timing of the interaction has fueled speculation. The NBA trade deadline is set for Feb. 6, and Kuzma, who is averaging 15.6 points and shooting a career-low 26.6% from 3-point range this season, could be a valuable asset for a contending team. At 6-foot-10, he offers versatility as a defender and scorer, though his production has dipped amid injuries and the Wizards’ struggles. Washington currently holds the league’s worst record at 6-35.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Kuzma said when asked about the possibility of being traded. “I don’t know. I think last year was the right time [to stay] after signing the deal. That was kind of more of a last-year thing. We haven’t had conversations, haven’t even talked about the deadline, haven’t talked about getting traded.”

Last season, Kuzma had the option to approve a trade but chose to remain with the Wizards. This year, his declining contract—which pays $23.5 million this season, $21.5 million next season, and $19.4 million in 2026-27—could make him an attractive target for teams looking to add depth without long-term financial commitments.

Wizards coach Brian Keefe attributed Kuzma’s struggles to injuries, including groin and rib issues that have limited him to 24 games this season. “He had gotten some good momentum early, and then he got hurt,” Keefe said. “It’s just been choppy. But when he’s played, he’s been efficient, doing the things that we ask.”

Kuzma’s performance has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 22-point game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday followed by a 13-point outing against the Kings on Sunday, where he shot 3-of-15 from the field. “It’s the first time in my career I’ve been hurt like this,” Kuzma said. “I think it was frustrating at a certain point in time early on, but I’ve gotten over that.”

As the trade deadline nears, Kuzma’s future remains uncertain. While the Wizards are focused on rebuilding, Kuzma’s experience as a key contributor on the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship team could make him a valuable addition for a playoff contender.