There's a reason plenty of Milwaukee Bucks fans were completely unaware of the fact that the team can offer Kyle Kuzma a contract extension before October 21. There's simply no shot that the sides strike a deal before the season starts. Given his recent playoff performance, there is no reason to extend the partnership right now. Kuzma is out to prove himself this coming season.
Kuzma is extension eligible, but it almost certainly won't happen
Had Kyle Kuzma impressed in the postseason, the Milwaukee Bucks may have handed him a new contract soon after. However, after averaging 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists across five postseason outings, Milwaukee's stance is clear. Kuzma won't be off the books anytime soon, as he is scheduled to make $22.4 million this season and $20.3 million the following.
It's no secret that Kuzma is one of Milwaukee's biggest trade chips if the team wants to make a splash anytime soon. However, with the two years remaining on his deal, doing so will be challenging enough as is, even if the Bucks dangle their desirable 2031 first-round pick on top of it. Tacking an extra set of years onto that would make it virtually impossible to trade Kuzma.
The plan is clear. The Milwaukee Bucks will keep Kuzma on his current contract in hopes of a bounce-back season. If he plays well, he will either remain a key cog on the team or his trade value will grow, and the Bucks could look to move him for an upgrade. If he plays poorly, the Bucks will be stuck with him, and any thought of an extension will remain just a thought.
Kuzma has the tools to be a good role player for the Milwaukee Bucks, and it appears the team is looking to put him in the best position to do so. In the early stages of training camp, Doc Rivers has talked about Kuzma's shot profile and how he wants the forward to focus on threes and layups over mid-range shots. It sounds minor, but it's a great start for Kuzma.
The road to redemption - and a possible extension down the line - starts now. The forward cannot focus on the bigger picture. He must take everything day by day.
Instead of Kuzma, the Milwaukee Bucks should be laser-focused on extending AJ Green, who has been eligible for several months.
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