Exposed rockets have become Kuzma's hot next home! Three teams or join the fray: he wants an annual salary of 30 million
On June 29, Beijing time, according to media person Carmichael Dave, the Rockets have become one of the favorites to sign Kuzma. It was previously reported that Kuzma had refused to execute the $13 million player option and would become a full free agent. In addition to the Rockets, the Lone Ranger, King, and Jazz are also interested in the striker. Jake Fisher reported that Kuz was seeking a new contract with an annual salary of $30 million.
In the 2022-23 season, Kuzma played in 64 games, averaging 35 minutes per game, scoring 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists, shooting 44.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range. Kuzma, who is about to turn 28, is rightly hoping to get a big contract based on last season's good numbers.
Media personality Brett Usher said: "Kuzma could be perfect to join the Rockets. He's a veteran, which is obviously what the Rockets want, and he's a young and cool veteran. He has championship experience... Can the Rockets get out Thompson + Green + Kuzma + Smith + Shin Kyung's starters, with Porter, Ethan and Whitmore playing as substitutes? ”
The Rockets have $64 million in salary space this offseason and are expected to be the biggest buyer in the free agent market. It was previously reported that the Rockets are ready to offer VanVleet on a 2-year 83.6 million top salary contract, and if they get VanVleet and bring in Kuzma, the strength is indeed expected to be significantly improved. However, the Rockets will also pay great attention to the length of the contract to avoid affecting the young core of the two-year extension.
This isn't the first time rumors of Kuzma have come out with the rocket, as Jake Fisher reported in early June that Kuzma was a potential target for the rocket.
Kuzma's latest next home odds show that the Kings are the top favorites to sign him, followed by the Mavericks, Rockets, Pacers and Lakers. Kuzma played four seasons with the Lakers, averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds and won the championship with the team in 2020.