NBA star Kyle Kuzma’s ‘real contender’ comments about rejecting trade from Finals-bound Dallas Mavericks have come back to haunt him

KYLE Kuzma could be hoping for a miracle return from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Dallas Mavericks are one game away from reaching NBA finals with a 3-1 series lead.

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And Kuzma, 28, could be on the court with them instead of watching from home.

Dallas was interested in the Washington Wizards star ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February.

His employers were willing to negotiate, but the 28-year-old refused.

“In my career, I won a championship,” the former Los Angeles Lakers star, who won a ring in 2020, said at the time.

“So, I understand that when we play basketball it’s not about competing for a spot in the playoffs.

“It’s about playing for an NBA championship.

“There are only three or four candidates – real candidates.

“I just felt like our timelines weren’t aligned.”

Dallas ended up acquiring PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford before the deadline.

And fans took to social media to mock Kuzma.

“Mavs fans were grateful you passed on Dallas,” one commented.

“Yes, it is better to be at the bottom of the league than to be a “playoff contender”. Great analysis, Kuz,” added another.

A third posted: “Why would he make a statement about running to win a championship but then decide to stay with the Wizards who are not contenders.

“Glad you’re not here right now, much better with PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford,” said a fourth.

The Mavericks were 26-23 when they tried to land Kuzma.

2024 NBA Draft Request – Lottery Picks

1. Atlanta Falcons
2. Wizards of Washington
3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
4. St. Anthony’s incentive
5. Detroit pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago buffaloes
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
13. Kings of Sacramento
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)

He was playing well despite being on a bad Wizards team and finished the season with averages of 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game after remain in Washington.

Washington and Gafford were key signings and a big part of the Mavericks’ renaissance.

Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards put on a show in more ways than one in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.

The microphones picked up Edwards, 22, paying a compliment to Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, 32, after attempting an acrobatic layup with his left hand.

“I got that from you, man,” the Timberwolves guard said.