Kyle Kuzma had made it clear. He was ready to move on from the development-first plan the Washington Wizards have implemented.
Kuzma will no longer have to worry about it.
The Wizards traded the veteran to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Washington Receive:
- Khris Middleton
- AJ Johnson
- 2028 First-Round Pick Swap
Milwaukee Receive:
- Kyle Kuzma
- Patrick Baldwin Jr.
- 2025 Second-Round Pick
Kuzma has been a complimentary piece on an NBA title-winning team (2020 Los Angeles Lakers). That’s the Kyle Kuzma the Bucks are looking for, and by being traded to a contender, it’s the Kyle Kuzma that needs to get off the plane in Milwaukee.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s window closing, the Bucks had to do something about the oft-injured Middleton. Trading him to the Wizards works out for both teams, but it remains to be seen if it works for Middleton.
Kuzma’s numbers are down this season, but that doesn’t matter in Milwaukee. Just like in 2020, Kuzma will have a more defined role, starting with being a perimeter defender. From there, Kuzma’s offense will need to thrive in limited opportunities if he’s simultaneously on the floor with Antetokounmpo and Dame Lillard.
Kuzma’s offense can flourish when his minutes are staggered with the two stars, and he’s on the floor with the second unit.
Milwaukee (26-22) is fifth in the Eastern Conference.
As a wing defender, is Kuzma a difference-maker against Indiana, New York, Boston, or Cleveland?
If this is the only move the Bucks make before the deadline, Kuzma will be under pressure to make an impact in a playoff series against the top teams in the conference.
