The Milwaukee Bucks were reportedly among the teams sniffing around a trade for Golden State star Jonathan Kuminga this summer. However, it always felt like a long shot that they would bring him in, given the fact that they didn't have anything substantial to offer the Warriors. NBA analyst Zach Lowe echoed this statement on a recent episode of The Zach Lowe Show.
"Milwaukee. I’ve heard some interest. Warriors fans go, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, does that mean what I think it means?’ No. No, it doesn’t. They don’t want Kuzma, even though Kuzma’s and Wiggins’ deals line up with the Curry/Draymond/Butler timeline."
Bucks likely won't get their hands on Kuminga anytime soon
Lowe's statement is essentially how teams across the league feel. After an abysmal playoff showing, Kyle Kuzma's value is incredibly low. Teams will not be eager to trade for him, and that's before even looking at the financials. He has two years left on his deal, as he's set to take home $22.4 million this coming season and $20.3 million the following. That will certainly deter teams.
The only way it legitimately felt like Kuzma might get traded this summer was if the Milwaukee Bucks attached their 2031 first round pick to him. Given how valuable that selection is, it always felt like a long shot that Milwaukee would find a deal unless a clear-cut difference-maker became available. Nothing transpired in that regard, so Kuzma is staying in town... for now.
The plan with Kuzma is clear. The Milwaukee Bucks will spend the next several months rehabbing his value to follow one of two paths. First, if he turns the tide and proves he can help this team, the Bucks could keep Kuzma in their pursuit of a title or trade him for an upgrade. Of course, he must bounce back for either to happen. Another struggle-filled season would take him off the market completely.
As for Kuminga, it feels inevitable that his name will be back on the trade market within the next few months, as his deal to return to Golden State feels more temporary than long-term. If Milwaukee still has interest in the forward at the turn of the year, there's a good chance they could circle back and make a legitimate offer, especially if Kuzma has flipped the switch.
Many would argue that the Milwaukee Bucks should steer clear of Kuminga regardless. He isn't an outside shooter, hindering his fit in this offense and with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and clearly wants a significant contract as soon as he can get it. There are plenty of other targets who might fit the roster better than Kuminga.
For now, all Milwaukee can do is take a wait and see approach.
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