As things stand, Kyle Kuzma should be playing a prominent role with the Milwaukee Bucks next year. With his current contract expiring, the forward needs as big of an opportunity as he can get to prove that he deserves another long-term deal next summer. He is well-positioned to do so now, but if the Bucks' Peyton Watson interest materializes into an actual sign-and-trade, Kuzma could be in trouble.
Watson would take Kuzma's minutes and role
If the Milwaukee Bucks land Watson, Kuzma would immediately lose what is likely currently his spot in the starting lineup. Watson is younger and more potential-filled. If they are dishing out big money and assets in a sign-and-trade, the Bucks would certainly want to get their forward of the future in the mix as much as they can. Kuzma would suffer as a result.
Moving to a bench role, Kuzma would still play, likely serving as Milwaukee's backup to Watson while Nate Ament and Bogoljub Markovic develop. Yet, a bench role isn't as prominent as starting, and that could have massive implications for Kuzma's next contract. His opportunity to take on a significant amount of responsibility and prove he deserves a big payday could soon vanish.
Kuzma must embrace new role if it comes down to it
To his credit, through all of the dysfunction the forward has endured during his short time with the Milwaukee Bucks, he has remained the ultimate professional. Constant role changes, disagreements with Doc Rivers, and many more issues plagued Milwaukee this past season. Despite all of it, Kuzma has said all of the right things and acted accordingly.
If he does come off the bench this season, that same mindset will likely hold true. He will play when the Bucks ask him, even if it does not put him in the best position to cash out next summer. It has to be admired to some degree. If Kuzma provides reliable play from the second unit, he will still have an opportunity to get paid next summer.
Of course, for any of this to matter, the Milwaukee Bucks have to actually acquire Watson first. They are firmly in the hunt, but getting a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets done is far easier said than done. Until something gets across the finish line, Kuzma should be viewed as Milwaukee's starting power forward. Yet, one trade could change that instantly.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google