"He's jumping in that party now" - Ex-Mavericks forward speculates Kyle Kuzma emulating Jimmy Buttler & Bradley Beal to exit Wizards

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma appears headed for a departure with the NBA trade deadline looming on Feb. 6. Former Dallas Mavericks player Chandler Parsons said on an episode of the "Run It Back" show on Monday, that Kuzma is seeking a move, following a similar path as two players actively seeking trades this season.

According to Parsons, the players Kuzma is emulating are the Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler and the Phoenix Suns' Bradley Beal. Kuzma has publicly stated his desire to play for a contending team, leading Parsons to draw comparisons between Kuzma's approach and that of Butler and Beal.

"Kuzma sees guys like Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal trying to kinda force their way out. He's jumping in that party now. Because clearly he’s not happy and he’s had enough.”

Kyle Kuzma is an attractive asset this trade season. His contract, a 4 year, $90,000,000 contract which includes $90,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $22,500,000, declines in value over the next two seasons, and is something interested teams can take on.

Furthermore, with the Wizards in a rebuilding phase and playing badly, they don't align with Kuzma’s timeline. He hinted at his frustration with the Wizards (6-38), who are struggling in the East, as reported by Michael Robbins of The Athletic on Sunday.

He has been impressive this season. His performance in the 119-109 loss against the Phoenix Suns, where he scored 30 points and had 11 rebounds, may have been a showcase for potential trade suitors. Teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies or the Denver Nuggets are seen as potential trade destinations for the 29-year-old forward.

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Kyle Kuzma dismissed trade rumors linking him to the Kings

Kyle Kuzma caused a frenzy in the basketball world when he was caught greeting Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive. This encounter took place when the Wizards visited the Kings on Jan. 19.

NBA: Washington Wizards at Phoenix Suns - Source: Imagn

Kuzma quickly dismissed the notion when asked about it, although Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that the Sacramento Kings are among the teams interested in acquiring Kuzma.

“Nothing basketball-related,” Kuzma said.

Kuzma is averaging 14.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this seasom for the Washington Wizards.