The Milwaukee Bucks have completed a trade with the Washington Wizards, acquiring forward Kyle Kuzma, young talent Patrick Baldwin Jr., and a second-round draft pick in exchange for veteran forward Khris Middleton, promising rookie AJ Johnson, and a pick swap. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, a major factor in the deal was strong support from Giannis Antetokounmpo, signaling the importance of this move to the Bucks’ championship aspirations. While Middleton has long been a key player for the Bucks, Kuzma offers both a younger, more durable option and greater financial flexibility. At 28 years old, Kuzma is four years younger than Middleton and has a more stable injury history, something the Bucks will likely value as they look to secure Giannis’ long-term future.
The Bucks also benefit financially from the trade. Kuzma is making $8 million less than Middleton this season, with a contract that includes two more years at $21.5 million in 2025-26 and $19.4 million in 2026-27, offering valuable cap relief. This move allows the Bucks to avoid the luxury tax’s second apron, with Kuzma reportedly agreeing to reduce part of his trade bonus to help keep the team under the threshold. The financial flexibility and improved depth give the Bucks an advantage as they seek to build a title contender, all while maintaining room to maneuver in future off-seasons. This trade comes after the Bucks’ discussions with the Chicago Bulls regarding Zach LaVine, who was ultimately traded to the Sacramento Kings. It will be interesting to see how Kyle Kuzma gels with his new lineup.
