Plenty of people thought the Milwaukee Bucks would trade Kyle Kuzma this summer, and one name pegged as a potential target was Cameron Johnson, formerly a Brooklyn Net. Instead, Johnson got dealt to the Denver Nuggets, fortifying their roster ahead of what will be another title push. There's a chance the Bucks come to regret not making that move themselves.
Bucks could have solved major roster problem
There would have been plenty to like about Johnson's fit in Milwaukee. Last season, the forward put up a career-high 18.8 points while shooting 39 percent from deep on 7.2 attempts per game. He's an elite marksman and would have thrived off the floor spacing created by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could have fed him open looks for days on end to fuel his success.
Sure, there are questions about his defense, as Johnson has always been hot and cold in that regard, but he's adequate on that side of things (it's not like Kyle Kuzma is without his question marks). If the forward is playing decent defense while putting up nearly 20 points per matchup on efficient 3-point shooting, the Milwaukee Bucks could live with that.
The deal itself was straightforward. Denver sent Michael Porter Jr. and a first round pick to Brooklyn for Johnson. Considering Porter makes $38 million this season and $41 million next season, it's not far-fetched to think they would have been fine taking in Kuzma's combined $42 million over the next two seasons instead if Milwaukee included a first.
Many would argue that Johnson wasn't worth Milwaukee's 2031 first, given how valuable it is. That is a valid argument, but the forward certainly would have been an upgrade, and the Bucks remain all-in, so it wouldn't have been surprising to see them move it for him.
Instead, it looks like the Milwaukee Bucks will roll into the season with Kuzma on the roster. While it's quite the gamble after his poor playoff showing, the forward does have the tools to help this team in their quest to get back to title contention. However, having them on paper doesn't help. The forward, who should be motivated after last year's abysmal playoff showing, must show it on the court.
If Kyle Kuzma can indeed bounce back for Milwaukee, it could be one of the NBA's great redemption stories in a long time. Until then, the thought of how players like Cameron Johnson and other players of a similar mold would have fit on this roster will loom large.
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