Trading Kyle Kuzma was always going to be a tall order for the Milwaukee Bucks, and that's only more apparent in the latest report from The Athletic's Sam Amick (subscription required). Per the insider, a trade target of interest to Milwaukee is Charlotte's Miles Bridges. Yet, a sizeable roadblock in getting a deal over the finish line is that the Hornets have a lack of interest in taking back Kuzma.
Bucks can likely cross Miles Bridges off their wish list
It's far from surprising that the Hornets aren't interested in Kuzma. He's currently having one of the least productive seasons of his career and wasn't much better upon arriving in Milwaukee last year. His value isn't high. Unless they are being compensated heavily by other assets, why would teams be inclined to take on Kuzma's money? Even if it saves them a few million, that seemingly doesn't matter.
Charlotte won't be the only team to hold this stance. If Kuzma was on an expiring contract, moving him would be far easier, but he still has one more year left after this one. Teams won't be banging on the door trying to acquire the forward in any trades.
The Milwaukee Bucks going after Bridges despite he and Kuzma playing the same position is really all you need to know.
Now, even if the Hornets were extremely interested in Kyle Kuzma, a deal with the Bucks seems out of the equation once Bridges' asking price is revealed. Per Amick, a source said the Hornets want a first round draft pick or even maybe two for their star forward. That's steep. Far too steep for a team like the Milwaukee Bucks who can't afford to burn a valuable pick for a non needle mover.
Bridges could certainly help the Milwaukee Bucks. Even in a down year, he's averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. He's the type of high-flying, athletic forward who could give this team a massive shot in the arm that they've been missing. Yet, he's the type of player they should be looking at if he's available for a discount. Not multiple first rounders.
The Milwaukee Bucks are very clearly trying to move Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma in the next several weeks in hopes of reigniting their playoff hopes, but reports like this one from Amick suggest it may be easier said than done.
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