[5][6] Kauffman was selected with the third overall pick of the 1968 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics behind future Hall of Fame inductees Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld.

Kauffman was also selected in the 1968 American Basketball Association Draft by the Oakland Oaks, but chose to play in the NBA.

[7] On September 5, 1969, Kauffman was traded by the Seattle SuperSonics with a 1971 third round draft pick (Clifford Ray was later selected) to the Chicago Bulls for Bob Boozer and Barry Clemens.

Kauffman played a reserve role for the Bulls in 1969–70, averaging 4.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.

[8] On May 11, 1970, Kauffman was traded by the Chicago Bulls with Jim Washington to the Philadelphia 76ers for Shaler Halimon and Chet Walker.

Kauffman became a reserve, averaging 6.1 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17 minutes per game, on a roster that included Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo, Randy Smith, and Gar Heard.

[16][3] Kauffman played seven seasons in the NBA as a member of the Sonics, Chicago Bulls, Buffalo Braves, and Atlanta Hawks.

[19] Kauffman eventually left the Pistons after a disagreement with team owner Bill Davidson.

Kauffman wanted to hire Cotton Fitzsimmons or Al Bianchi for the coaching vacancy.