The Milwaukee Bucks are limited in the moves they can make this offseason, but there are options they could explore, like a Kyle Kuzma trade. He arrived in Wisconsin in a pre-deadline move that sent beloved veteran Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round swap to the Wizards. The hope was that he'd maybe help the Bucks make a playoff run, but that didn't happen.
Kuzma averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game with Milwaukee in the second half of the season, shooting 45.5% from the field and 33.3% from three. He averaged 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game in the postseason, shooting 34.3% from the field and 20% from deep.
As much as Bucks fans would like to see Kuzma traded, the reality is that Milwaukee won't get the return it needs to help win another title with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Kuzma's value is low, even lower than it was when Milwaukee traded for him. The Bucks' best bet is to keep Kuzma this offseason, hoping that he'll up his value during the first half of next season for a potential deadline trade. Unless, of course, a team makes an offer this summer that Milwaukee couldn't turn down, which is very unlikely.
The Bucks might be stuck with Kyle Kuzma after 2025 deadline trade
The only positive aspect of the Kuzma trade is that it provided the team with some financial flexibility, which they can use to re-sign Gary Trent Jr. Outside of that, there is nothing to like about the deal. It would've been better to keep Middleton around in terms of performance.
Milwaukee is in a challenging position that shouldn't be as complicated as it is. The Eastern Conference is wide open outside of the Pacers, Cavaliers, and Knicks, making it easier for a team like the Bucks to make the deep playoff run they've failed to do over the past few years. To keep Giannis happy, Milwaukee needs to win. The Bucks have made moves they thought would help them get there, but they've had the opposite effect.
Depending on how the first few months of the 2025-26 season play out, maybe Milwaukee will be able to use Kuzma's salary in a trade for an upgrade. Midseason trades are hard to adjust to, so perhaps Kuzma will flip the script next season. At least, that's what the Bucks hope for.