One of the most talked about potential trades heading into this offseason was a Kyle Kuzma trade. However, after initial rumors that it potentially go to the Kings As for the Mavericks, trade talks appear to have been put on hold. There’s no reason they can’t resurface once the season starts. But for now, it appears the star forward will remain in Washington. However, just because Kuzma’s basketball team and home are in Washington doesn’t mean his business isn’t located elsewhere.
No trade for Kyle Kuzma yet, but he just opened a new restaurant
It turns out Kuzma just franchised his second Mahana Fresh. Mahana Fresh is an extremely healthy fast food restaurant. It primarily serves bowls, which are loaded with vegetables, protein, and healthier carbs. It has plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, making it the kind of restaurant an NBA player who has invested in his health would consider franchising. Kuzma franchised his first Mahana Fresh in Gainesville, Virginia, and the success of that location led to this new location in Houston, Texas.
The official opening celebration for the new location will take place on Saturday, August 3rd, and they will be offering all kinds of deals throughout the week to attract customers.
“I am very excited to bring Mahana Fresh to Houston and enter a new market with my team. We have seen first-hand how Mahana Fresh can bring people together through its fresh and healthy food options. Houston’s vibrant and growing market provides the perfect backdrop for Mahana Fresh to succeed.” –Kyle Kuzma
Restaurants are not Kuzma’s only business, however. Kuzma founded The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation to have a positive impact on single mothers and their children. On the business side, he has invested heavily in fashion and lifestyle products (just look at some of his pre-game outfits).
Potential Kyle Kuzma Trade Suitors
A Kyle Kuzma trade seems less likely than it did earlier this summer. The prevailing belief was that adding a top non-guard draft pick meant only one forward would remain: Kuzma or Deni Avdija. However, after Avdija was traded to the Blazers, it is possible that the Wizards will stop discussing a trade for Kuzma if both parties are happy. At 29, Kuzma is enjoying the prime of his career. While I am sure he wants to win another ring like he did with the Lakers in 2020, he is one of the Wizards’ best players and gets a lot of touches and shots. The team also has hope, as their roster has seriously improved this offseason. There is a chance that Kuzma is happy with the organization and they are happy with him, meaning no trade will happen.
Of course, the opposite is entirely possible. Just because Kuzma trade talks are at a standstill doesn’t mean they’re no longer a possibility. Both of the teams mentioned above (the Kings and Mavericks) are in need of a prolific winger who has a track record of playing in high-pressure situations. For the Mavericks in particular, Kuzma could very well be the missing piece.
The Mavericks are well-equipped at certain positions. Their top two guards are Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irvingtwo of the best in the NBA. Even better, the team took over Klay Thompson In free agency, they added another All-Star point guard to the group who can play against Irving and Doncic. The team also showed that they are well-equipped at big man for the next few years. Derek Lively And Daniel Gafford are both athletic young rim protectors who block shots and throw lobs with ease, perfect complements to their guard counterparts. PJ Washington And Markieff Morris are their strong forwards at the moment, but the team really has no one at winger. They lost Derrick Jones Jr to the Clippers in free agency, so Kuzma would truly make their team complete.
