Kyle Kuzma chose to stay with Wizards over trade to Western contender

Wizards star Kyle Kuzma would have been in Dallas right now if he wanted to.

While Kuzma doesn't have a no-trade clause, he was informed about a potential trade to the Mavericks by Wizards President Michael Winger, who was iffy about making the deal and wanted to hear Kuzma's thoughts about being shipped out.

Once Kuzma made it clear he would rather remain in D.C., Winger nixed the trade.

"There was a point in time, Dallas, they definitely did want me," Kuzma told The Athletic. "Winger presented me with what the trade was and obviously didn't want to trade me and kind of left the decision up to me a little bit and asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to stay and continue to build something. And that was kind of the end of it."

Winger elaborated on his last-minute call to not trade Kuzma, who's averaging a career-high 21.8 points this season.

"Kyle's an important player for us and (a) significant contributor to our developing culture," Winger told The Athletic. "His commitment is necessary for us to achieve our competitive and environmental objectives. Under the circumstances, I wanted to check in with his belief to continue leading us. He reemphasized his desire to forge ahead, and we’re honored to have him."

While the trade didn't go through, the Mavs are, in hindsight, likely thrilled to have addressed other needs as such as size, rebounding and defense via the additions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. In his first game as a Maverick Monday night, Gafford had 16 points and 17 rebounds.