Washington already learned the hard way: Kyle Kuzma carries serious fit and trade risk. Milwaukee went ahead and traded for him, and learned the fit part first -- Kuzma looked like a two-way stopper some games, and a black hole on offense in other games. He showed promise, but ultimately never strung together enough games to build consistency.
Now Milwaukee is running headlong into the same mistake in the trade risk side of things, while Washington is free from Kuzma's bloated contract and now enjoying the services of a young, up-and-coming AJ Johnson.
For all the talk about Kyle Kuzma’s scoring and positional size, he’s long been a polarizing player in front offices around the league. The Wizards held onto him too long, convinced they could extract a premium. They didn’t. And now, after a playoff no-show in Milwaukee, the Bucks may be facing the same dilemma, with even fewer options on the table.
Let’s be clear: Kuzma is not a toxic contract, but he is a hard contract to move. The Bucks acquired him in a midseason move that raised eyebrows at the time. The hope was that his shot creation would stabilize Milwaukee’s second unit, maybe even allow for some Middleton load management. Instead, he cratered.
The Wizards saw this coming, and now the Bucks have to live with their choices
Days after the acquisition, Kuzma for a time made fans believe that perhaps fit isn't everything after all. Then the regular season ended rather underwhelmingly, and then the playoffs happened.
In the Bucks’ 2025 first-round series against Indiana, Kuzma shot 34.3 percent from the field, 20 percent from the 3-point line en route to 5.8 points in just 20 minutes per game. Through five games, he posted a rating of net-minus 43. And now Milwaukee has to decide what to do with the $23 million he's owed next season, and the $20 million the year after that, per Spotrac.
Last season, Washington reportedly held out for two first-round picks in Kuzma trade talks. Multiple contenders called, per league insiders, but no one bit -- not at that price. The Wizards sat on him, and eventually pivoted to Milwaukee’s offer, which allowed them to shed long-term money and start a proper rebuild.
Now, the Bucks might need to attach a pick just to offload him. Picks they desperately need to maintain a semblance of flexibility and a future. It's not a good place to be to have to give up a picks to get rid of someone instead of land someone who can help the team win.
According to league chatter, Milwaukee is prioritizing flexibility and trying to stay under the first apron, which means Kuzma’s deal could be the one they have to dump. But who’s taking him after that postseason performance, and at that salary?
But Giannis is most likely staying, which means the Bucks need to do what they can to put the team in a position to compete. Kuzma being around doesn't help that cause.
The front office has to be kicking itself for not seeing this coming. Because plenty of people did. The trade was panned the moment it happened. Now? He’s a sunk cost waiting to happen.
There’s still a scenario where Kuzma becomes useful: if he buys into a more limited role (preferably on the bench), locks in defensively, and proves he can be a plus shooter again. But that’s wishcasting. Milwaukee has no time to wait, not with Giannis Antetokounmpo's future in the balance.
The irony is sharp. The Bucks hoped Kuzma could be a solution. Instead, he might become an obstacle—not just in the rotation, but on the books. Washington already warned us. Now it’s Milwaukee’s turn to learn the hard way.