AP Photo/Slash Wass
The Minnesota Timberwolves remain attracted to buying Kyle Kumza even supposing he is being included in a reported trade between the Los Angeles and Washington Wizards.
In accordance with The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas “has maintained sturdy passion in Kuzma for some time now.”
If the Wizards made the 26-365 days-old readily available, Minnesota would possibly perhaps glance to elevate him aboard.
Bleacher Account’s Eric Pincus reported July 29 that the Wizards “extremely designate” Kentavious Caldwell-Pope nonetheless would possibly perhaps furthermore very neatly be more indifferent on Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell.
Rui Hachimura is averaging 30.9 minutes per sport thru his first two years, and he’ll presumably remain the starting energy ahead in 2021-22. Washington also ragged a lottery resolve on Deni Avdija final 365 days and selected Corey Kispert 15th overall in the 2021 NBA draft, which can well appear to rule out hundreds of playing time on the 3 for Kuzma.
Minnesota’s frontcourt, on the different hand, is somewhat less settled.
The Timberwolves must add a confirmed energy ahead alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Whereas Jaden McDaniels confirmed promise as a rookie, the team can now not wait on him to continue increasing in a starting characteristic if it hopes to originate a playoff push this upcoming season.
Kuzma averaged 12.9 formula and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 36.1 p.c from beyond the arc in 2020-21. He also held opponents to 29.7 p.c shooting on three-pointers, per NBA.com. That type of perimeter defense became sorely lacking on a Wolves squad that ranked final in opponent three-point percentage (39.2).
It’s now not obvious that Kuzma is even on the trade block. The Wizards will have postseason ambitions of their very maintain as lengthy as Bradley Beal is below contract, so that they’re going to furthermore very neatly be having a find him to assist with that throughout the upcoming season.
If this is the case, Rosas will want to withhold in tips other strategies to bolster Minnesota’s frontcourt.
