Wizards, Kristaps Porzingis discussing contract extension

The Washington Wizards have engaged in "serious discussions [on] a new deal" for Kristaps Porzingis, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Porzingis has a player option worth $36,016,200 for next season. However, if the sides can agree to this extension, he would opt out and sign a new long-term deal with Washington.

Charania notes that the maximum offer the Wizards can make to Porzingis is four years, $180 million. The two sides have until late June to reach an agreement.

This season, Porzingis is averaging a career-high 23.2 points to go along with 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 blocks, 2.1 threes and 0.9 steals, while shooting 49.8% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range and 85.1% from the free-throw line.

Porzingis landed in Washington prior to the 2022 trade deadline after the Dallas Mavericks dealt him for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. 

While extending Porzingis seems to be a priority, the Wizards also have to make a decision on Kyle Kuzma's future with the organization.

Kuzma has a player option for next season (worth $13,000,000), but he intends to opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. With that said, Charania notes that "there is mutual interest in a new deal."

This season, Kuzma has averaged career-highs in points (21.2), assists (3.7), three-pointers (2.5) and steals (0.6), while also averaging 7.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks on .448/.333/.730 shooting splits.

The Wizards acquired Kuzma from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021 as part of the Russell Westbrook blockbuster trade.

Porzingis and Kuzma are both 27 years old and playing arguably their best basketball.