After a flurry of roster moves, many Milwaukee Bucks fans think the team could still forge a trade to keep the ball rolling, especially if it involves Kyle Kuzma. While very possible, fans have to understand that if the Bucks trade Kuzma, any deal will almost certainly include the 2031 first round pick attached to him. Otherwise, teams likely won't even pick up the phone.
Bucks will have to part with a key asset in any Kuzma trade
Kuzma is Milwaukee's best trade chip from a financial perspective. Set to make $22.4 million for the 2025-26 NBA season, the Bucks could get a quality player in return for that salary. On paper, it makes plenty of sense, but after a brutal playoff showing, there is likely little interest. Averaging 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 34.3 percent won't have teams banging down the door.
To have teams interested whatsoever, Milwaukee must throw in that 2031 first rounder, which is one of the most valuable assets around the entire league. It's so prized because no one is sure whether or not Giannis Antetokounmpo will be in Milwaukee when that pick is on the clock, and even if he is, he's going to be a much older player. It could be incredibly valuable.
For the right player, the Milwaukee Bucks should have that pick on the table. They've already shown just how all-in they are by waiving Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner, eating a significant amount of dead money over the next several years. Trading the pick would further signal that Milwaukee thinks these next few years are their best shot to go for another title with this core.
Milwaukee has a tightrope to walk. Yes, it would make plenty of sense for them to attach the pick to Kuzma to get a legitimate upgrade at small forward on the roster. However, who exactly might be a justifiable player for that pick? Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones would be homeruns, but the Pelicans appear to be all-in on next season. That leaves the market somewhat dry.
Is Jonathan Kuminga worth that first in a sign-and-trade? How about Andrew Wiggins? Any RJ Barrett fans? Currently, there's no clear answer. It all depends on how the Milwaukee Bucks feel about players on the market. Who knows, just like with Myles Turner, perhaps the front office pulls a rabbit out of a hat and lands someone no one was talking about.
No matter who it may end up being, it won't come cheap for Milwaukee.
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