One of the most talked about potential trades leading up to this offseason was a Kyle Kuzma trade. However, after initial rumors of him potentially going to the Kings or Mavericks, trade talks appeared to have died down. There’s no reason they can’t resurface once the season starts. But, for now, it looks like the star forward will be staying in DC. Just because Kuzma’s basketball team and home are in DC, however, doesn’t mean his business isn’t located elsewhere.
No Kyle Kuzma Trade For Now, But He Just Opened a New Eatery
As it turns out, Kuzma just franchised his second Mahana Fresh. Mahana Fresh is a fast food type of restaurant that’s extremely healthy. The main thing they serve is bowls, which contain plenty of veggies, protein, and healthier carbohydrates. It offers plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, making it the kind of restaurant that an NBA player invested in his health would consider franchising. Kuzma franchised his first Mahana Fresh in Gainesville, Virginia, and the success of that location resulted in this new location in Houston, Texas.
The official opening celebration for the new location is on Saturday, August 3rd, and they’re offering all sorts of deals for the entire week to draw in customers.
“I’m very excited about introducing Mahana Fresh to Houston, tapping into a new market with my team. We’ve seen firsthand how Mahana Fresh can bring people together with its fresh and healthy food options. Houston’s dynamic and growing market provides the perfect setting for Mahana Fresh to succeed.” –Kyle Kuzma
Restaurants are hardly Kuzma’s only venture, however. Kuzma founded The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation to positively impact single mothers and their children. On the business side, he’s invested plenty in fashion and lifestyle products (just look at some of his pre-game outfits).
Potential Kyle Kuzma Trade Suitors
A Kyle Kuzma trade does seem less in the cards than at the beginning of this summer. The primary belief was that when adding a top non-guard draft pick meant that only one forward was staying: Kuzma or Deni Avdija. However, after Avdija’s trade to the Blazers, it’s possible the Wizards stop discussing a Kuzma trade if both sides are happy. At 29 years old, Kuzma’s enjoying the prime of his career. While I’m sure he wants to win another ring like he did with the Lakers in 2020, he’s one of the best players on the Wizards and gets plenty of touches and shots. The team has hope too, as their roster seriously improved this offseason. There’s a chance that Kuzma’s content with the organization and they’re happy with him, meaning no trade will happen.
Of course, the reverse is very possible too. Just because trade talks for Kuzma have died down doesn’t mean that they aren’t still occurring. The two teams listed above (the Kings and Mavericks) both have a need for a high-scoring wing who’s been in big-pressure situations before. For the Mavericks in particular, Kuzma could really be the missing piece.
The Mavericks are loaded at certain positions. Their top two guards are Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, two of the best in the NBA. Even better, the team picked up Klay Thompson in free agency, adding another All-Star guard to the mix who can play off Irving and Doncic. The team also showed that they’re stacked at the big man position for the next few years. Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford are both young, athletic rim protectors who block shots and throw down lobs with ease, perfect complements to their guard counterparts. PJ Washington and Markieff Morris are their power forwards for the time being, but the team really doesn’t have anyone at small forward. They lost Derrick Jones Jr to the Clippers in free agency, so Kuzma would really make their team complete.
