The Milwaukee Bucks have been calling around the league trying to make a deal; that much is clear.
Yet, it's unclear how big of a deal they would like to make. In all likelihood, they want to move on from Pat Connaughton, who has fallen out of Milwaukee's rotation, or Bobby Portis. The latest trade rumor to surface suggests that a desire to make a more significant splash would have to be in the cards.
Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Milwaukee Bucks are among teams to keep tabs on Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards, who is a prime trade candidate.
Why the Bucks' rumored interest in Kuzma will likely remain just interest
Right off the bat, Kuzma's salary makes it tough to envision him coming to Milwaukee anytime soon. Making $23.5 million this season, the forward would not come cheap, and due to the dreaded second apron, the Bucks cannot combine salaries in a deal. In years past, they would likely throw together a massive package of several role players to get this done, but that is now off the table.
Salary-wise, the only way the Bucks could acquire Kuzma is by trading one of Giannis Antetokounmpo ($48.8 million salary), Damian Lillard ($48.8 million salary) or Khris Middleton ($31.7 million). Obviously, the top two are not going anywhere. The Bucks have toyed with trading Middleton in the past, but in a deal for Kyle Kuzma, that seems unlikely, especially with him gearing up to make his season debut.
This new rumor would be far more enticing if the Milwaukee Bucks could indeed aggregate salaries in a trade, as Kyle Kuzma would be a solid trade target.
The 6-foot-9 forward would give the Bucks a jolt in the frontcourt with his size, scoring and defensive ability, taking pressure off of Milwaukee's other top stars. An NBA Champion with the Lakers in 2020, Kuzma has vital experience that would help him fit right in with the Bucks' goals.
While Kuzma is likely off the board, the Bucks are looking in the right area for trade help. Another big body would do them some good behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. One player who makes sense financially and on the court is Portland's Robert Williams III, who would bring needed athleticism and defense. Even with the second apron looming, that is far more realistic.
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