Kyle Kuzma‘s sudden exit after just eight minutes on the floor caused a lot of confusion during the Clippers game on Wednesday. But when Kuzma failed to return to the game, the confusion turned into concern. The Wizards not only lost the 96-121 game against the Clippers on Wednesday night but also lost their key contributor. And now, the latest reports of his injury only pile up to Washington’s miseries.

A rib injury, that’s what caused the combo forward to leave the hardwood and miss Friday’s practice. According to HC Brian Keefe, Kuzma will be missing the game against the Bucks tomorrow night and the one against the Cavs on December 3. In his absence, the franchise would be willing to provide more minutes for Kyshawn George, Patrick Baldwin, and Corey Kispert.

With a 2-15 record, the worst in the league, the Wizards sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Now with Kuzma set to miss more games, that can easily turn into 2-17 with NBA Cup fate already sealed.

Kyle Kuzma hasn’t exactly set the world alight with his performance this season. The forward is averaging 15.8 points per night with the highest one coming against the Hawks (25) in October. His 1.9 assists and 5.6 rebounds also underline the reason for the franchise’s struggles.

Along with the injury, the 29-year-old also has been a regular point of attraction in the trade market. With the trade season ready to pick up steam again, expect Kuzma to be present in most of the rumors.

Kyle Kuzma’s Wizards future hangs in balance

Since his move from the Lakers, Kyle Kuzma has signed a 4-year $90,000,000 deal with the capital city side. Currently in his 2nd year of that contract, Kuzma’s chances of getting traded are quite high. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Kuzma’s contract is considered “highly attractive” to clubs that want to upgrade their roster and maintain financial flexibility in the future under the new apron rules.

The power forward has already been linked to multiple high profile moves away from the franchise. The Mavs, the Heat, the Clippers and even a reunion with former side Lakers isn’t off the table completely.

Kuzma’s addition can boost any title-contending side but his contract in the apron world can be a big concern. The timeline of the Wizards rebuild also doesn’t add up for him. The franchise is currently in full reboot mode by stockpiling draft picks.

Teams like the Nets and Rockets have a whole host of draft picks. But given their current form and the eye for a rebuild, it is unlikely for them to make a move for Kuzma. Then again in Kuzma’s words, “One, it’s a business. Two, everybody in the NBA is tradable, except for Victor Wembanyama.”