Report: Wizards, Porzingis in talks over long-term extension
The Washington Wizards and Kristaps Porzingis are in serious discussions regarding a long-term extension, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Porzingis currently possesses a $36-million player option for the 2023-24 season. Under a contract extension, the Latvian big man could overwrite his option with the first year of a new deal and guarantee himself substantially more money over several seasons. Washington can offer the 27-year-old up to $180 million over a four-year extension, which must be negotiated before the end of the NBA's 2022-23 calendar on June 30.
The sharpshooting center is registering a career-high 23.2 points per game this season and shooting 38.5% on threes, the second-best mark of his career over a campaign. Porzingis is also averaging 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks in Washington, which is 2.5 games back of the Chicago Bulls for the Eastern Conference's final play-in spot with six games to play.
The Wizards acquired the 7-foot-3 Porzingis in February 2022 from the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans.
Washington is also reportedly interested in securing forward Kyle Kuzma to a long-term contract. Kuzma also holds a player option for next season. However, he's likely to reject the $13-million option to negotiate a more lucrative deal as a free agent in the summer, which removes the limitations involved with extension negotiations. As a free agent, Kuzma could enter discussions with any NBA side.