Part of the journey is the end.
Perhaps the Luka Doncic trade and the signals it sent — that no player, not even ones who could get you to the NBA Finals with their sheer shot-creating talent — should have been the writing on the wall.
It must be said before anything else: Khris Middleton was a foundational piece of this era of Milwaukee Bucks basketball, and his importance to this team for the past decade cannot be overstated. He will be missed by fans dearly.
The Milwaukee Bucks just made a bold move to shake up their roster, trading Khris Middleton and rookie AJ Johnson to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and pick compensation. On the surface, this trade very clearly signals the Bucks’ commitment to retooling around Giannis Antetokounmpo and staying in championship contention.
Was it the right move? Let’s break it down from both perspectives and assign letter grades.
The Bucks are betting on Kuzma's availability to contend for a title
The Milwaukee Bucks just gave up a three-time All-Star and the Bucks’ second-best player during their 2021 championship run. Middleton has been a cornerstone of the franchise for a decade. But the best ability is availability, and injuries and age have admittedly taken a toll on his production.
This season, he’s averaging 12.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists—solid numbers but a far cry from his All-Star peak. The reality is that from a business standpoint, trading him now, while he still holds value, is a calculated risk.
And perhaps the more under-the-radar story here is that the Bucks also had to part ways with their 23rd overall pick in the 2024 draft in AJ Johnson. To this point, Johnson has only really been a raw but intriguing prospect.
He’s a project who likely wouldn’t have contributed to the Milwaukee Bucks’ win-now timeline, but his upside is undeniable. Many fans, including this writer, were excited to see him grow alongside the Bucks' core to future-proof them for the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo era. This one hurts.
In return, Milwaukee netted a versatile and healthy forward in Kyle Kuzma, who brings scoring, rebounding, and playoff experience. Kuzma is a significant upgrade in terms of durability and athleticism. This season, he’s averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 42 percent shooting. At 29, he’s (technically) in his prime and fits perfectly alongside Giannis as a secondary scorer and floor-spacer.
A former first-round pick, Baldwin is a 6-foot-9 forward with some largely untapped shooting potential. While he hasn’t found his footing in the NBA yet, he’s a low-risk, high-reward piece who could develop into a useful rotation player. The Bucks also received the second-most favorable of the Wizards’ 2025 second-round picks, adding a small but potentially valuable asset to their cupboard.
The Bucks are in win-now mode, and Kuzma gives them a younger, more durable option to complement Giannis and Damian Lillard. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor will be crucial in the playoffs, where Middleton’s health has been a recurring issue. While losing Middleton’s playmaking and leadership hurts, Kuzma’s scoring punch and athleticism address some of the team’s most glaring weaknesses.
The Bucks are betting heavily on Kuzma’s ability to stay on the court, even if he is an ostensibly lesser player. If he struggles to adapt to a reduced role or fails to deliver in the playoffs, this trade could backfire. Additionally, the pick swap in 2028 could come back to haunt them if the Wizards or Blazers outperform expectations.
Milwaukee Bucks: C+
With this move, the Wizards move forward with their rebuild
It's not a secret that Washington, being one of the worst teams in the league at the moment, is looking to stockpile assets going forward.
Kuzma has been one of the Wizards’ best players for a while now, but he doesn’t fit their rebuilding timeline. Trading him while his value is high is a smart move for a team focused on the future. On the other hand, Baldwin, being a developmental project that hasn’t panned out yet, is ultimately a small price to pay in this deal. The Wizards also had to give up the second-most favorable of their 2025 second-round picks, which is negligible in the grand scheme of things.
While Middleton is past his prime, he brings veteran leadership and playoff experience to a young Wizards team. He could also be flipped at the deadline for more assets.
AJ Johnson, on the other hand, is a high-upside prospect who fits Washington’s rebuilding timeline. Johnson has the potential to develop into a valuable piece if given time and patience, and his last outing with the Bucks was proof enough. The Wizards secured the second-most favorable pick in a three-way swap involving the Bucks and Blazers. This could be a sneaky-good asset if the Bucks’ roster ages poorly or Giannis Antetokounmpo departs.
The Wizards are in full rebuild mode, and this trade aligns perfectly with their long-term goals. They turned Kuzma, a player who doesn’t fit their timeline, into a promising young prospect and a potentially valuable future pick. Middleton's contract also gives them flexibility moving forward.
If Middleton’s injuries persist or Johnson fails to develop, this trade could look like a missed opportunity to acquire more immediate assets. But overall, the upside of the 2028 pick swap makes this a low-risk, high-reward move for Washington.
Washington Wizards: B+
The Bucks made a bold move to stay in contention, but the success of this trade hinges on Kuzma’s ability to fill Middleton’s shoes and deliver in the playoffs. The risk of the 2028 pick swap looms large, but for a team in win-now mode, it’s a gamble worth taking.
The Wizards played this trade perfectly, acquiring a young prospect and future draft capital while shedding a player who didn’t fit their timeline. This move sets them up nicely for the future.
For the Bucks, this trade is a clear signal that they’re all-in on Giannis’ prime. They clearly still believe they can win now, and they now have the financial flexibility to make moves that help them do just that. Kuzma’s arrival gives them a fresh dynamic, but the pressure is on to win now.
For the Wizards, it’s another step in their patient rebuild, with an eye toward the future. In the end, both teams got what they needed—but only time will tell who truly won this deal.
It's the end of an era in Milwaukee, but from here, there's nowhere to go but up.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.