Kyle Kuzma linked to Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers in search of freedom

Author: Monojit Mandal

According to recent speculation, Kyle Kuzma, former Washington Wizards star and soon to be free agent, may not be joining the Phoenix Suns as originally planned. According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, Kuzma has been linked to the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers.

Kuzma, who has spent the last two seasons demonstrating his talent in Washington, is expected to decline his $13 million player option for next season in order to seek new chances.

Although the Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in Kuzma for a long time, budgetary constraints may prevent them from acquiring his services due to salary cap restrictions. This created an opportunity for the Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers, who are in dire need of a starting power forward and have enough salary cap space to meet Kuzma’s contract demands.

According to Spotrac, both teams now have the largest open salary space in the NBA, with the Rockets leading the way with more than US$47 million and the Pacers trailing behind with US$12.8 million.

Kuzma’s market value has risen after a good season with the Wizards, with speculation that he could earn a $20-25 million contract in free agency. That cost makes him an attractive proposition for both the Rockets and Pacers, especially if the Pacers can maneuver their resources to get the space they need.

Although joining one of the teams won’t offer Kuzma an immediate opportunity to compete for a title, he will have the chance to contribute to organizations that are on the rise. The Pacers, in particular, exceeded expectations with their young team last season, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-in phase.

Despite finishing with the third worst record in the league (22-60), the Rockets have a great core of young players and the technical skills of Ime Udoka, a veteran postseason coach.

Kuzma emerged as a valuable asset for both clubs after a spectacular season in which he averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, the best of his career, while shooting 44.8% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.

The Phoenix Suns, for their part, seem to be investigating alternative possibilities and negotiating prospects.