Kyle Alexander Kuzma is a professional basketball player known for his versatility as a small forward and power forward for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. Born on July 24, 1995, Kuzma has built a successful career in the league and has accumulated an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2024.
Kyle Kuzma’s Early Life and Basketball Journey
Kuzma started his basketball journey in Flint, Michigan, where he initially attended Swartz Creek Community School before transferring to Bentley High School. His junior year statistics were impressive, averaging 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Recognizing his potential, he moved to Rise Academy in Philadelphia, where he further honed his skills, averaging 22 points per game in his senior year.
Following a strong high school career, Kuzma received multiple college offers but ultimately chose to play for the University of Utah in 2013. Though he couldn’t play in his freshman year due to a late signing, he made an impact as a sophomore, averaging 10.8 points per game. By the 2016-17 season, he had improved significantly, averaging 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. With a degree in sociology, Kuzma left college to enter the 2017 NBA Draft.
NBA Career and Salary Progression
Kuzma was selected 27th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed his rookie contract worth $8.65 million over four years. His stellar performance in the 2017-18 season earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Career Moves and Contracts
- 2017-2021: Played for the Los Angeles Lakers. In December 2020, he signed a three-year contract extension with the team.
- 2021: Traded to the Washington Wizards, where he played a key role in multiple games, leading the team to victories over major opponents.
- 2023: Signed a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the Washington Wizards, guaranteeing him an annual average salary of $22.5 million.
For the 2023/24 NBA season, Kuzma’s salary stands at $25,568,182.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Beyond his NBA salary, Kuzma has lucrative endorsement deals with top brands:
Puma Deal
- Signed a five-year endorsement deal with Puma in October 2019.
- Reports suggest he earns less than $3 million per year from this deal.
- Actively promotes Puma shoes on his social media accounts.
GOAT Partnership
- In October 2018, Kuzma became the first-ever Brand Ambassador for GOAT, a global sneaker marketplace.
- He renewed a multi-year deal with GOAT in 2020, granting him access to exclusive luxury sneaker collections.
Kyle Kuzma’s Investments
Kuzma has strategically invested in various business ventures:
- Lemon Perfect (2020) – A lemon water brand that raised $6.6 million from investors, including NBA stars Blake Griffin and Nick Young.
- Surf (2021) – A technology company focused on enhancing customer engagement. The company raised $2.4 million.
- Luxury Watch Marketplace (2023) – On January 10, 2023, Kuzma invested in a tech-driven watch marketplace, which secured $8 million in funding from 19 investors.
Charity and Philanthropy
Kuzma is known for his philanthropic efforts, actively supporting various charities:
- Founded the Kyle Kuzma Foundation, which supports underprivileged communities.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), his foundation donated food and resources to the Children’s Institute in Los Angeles and the YMCA of Greater Flint.
- In January 2023, he donated $1 million to the YMCA in Flint, Michigan, for the construction of a new gymnasium.
Kyle Kuzma’s Lifestyle: Homes and Cars
Real Estate
Kuzma prefers to invest in family security over luxury purchases. He gifted his mother a house in Michigan, a gesture that she openly praised on Twitter and Instagram.
Car Collection
Kuzma has a remarkable car collection, showcasing his love for luxury automobiles:
- Porsche Panamera – Purchased in 2017 for his birthday.
- Ram 1500 TRX Truck (2021) – A modified off-road truck featuring a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 692 horsepower.
- Lamborghini Huracan – Cost around $208,000.
- Gunmetal Grey Lamborghini (2021) – Purchased after his contract extension with the Lakers.
