KYLE Kuzma may be hoping for a miraculous comeback from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Dallas Mavericks are one game away from reaching the NBA finals with a 3-1 lead in the series.
And Kuzma, 28, could be on the court with them instead of watching from home.
Dallas was interested in the Washington Wizards star before the NBA trade deadline in February.
His employers were willing to trade 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 this game of basketball it’s not about contending for a playoff spot.
“It’s about contending for an NBA championship.
“There’s only like three or four contenders — true contenders.
“I just felt like our timelines didn’t line up.”
Dallas ended up acquiring P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford before the deadline.
And fans have taken to social media to poke fun at Kuzma.
“Mavs fans were grateful you reject dallas,” commented one.
“Yeah, better to stay at the BOTTOM of the league than be on a “playoff contender.” Great analysis Kuz,” added another.
A third posted: “Why would he make a statement about contending to win a championship but then decide to stay with the Wizards who aren’t contenders. I’m baffled.”
“Glad you aren’t here now, much better off with PJ Washington & Daniel Gafford,” chimed a fourth.
The Mavericks were 26-23 when they tried to land Kuzma.
2024 NBA Draft order - lottery picks
- Atlanta Hawks
- Washington Wizards
- Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Detroit Pistons
- Charlotte Hornets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto)
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Utah Jazz
- Chicago Bulls
- Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
- Sacramento Kings
- Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
He was playing well despite being on a poor 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 staying in Washington.
Washington and Gafford have both been important signings and a big part of the Mavericks’ revival.
Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards put on a show in more than one way in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals.
The mics picked up Edwards, 22, paying Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, 32, a compliment after attempting an acrobatic left-handed layup.
“I got that from you, dawg,” the Timberwolves guard said.