When the Milwaukee Bucks first traded for Kyle Kuzma, the reaction was extremely negative, and his performances were lackluster. A solid 2025-26 season for Kuzma was overshadowed by an absolute mess of a season for the Bucks, but that didn't stop Bleacher Report from ranking him as one of the top 10 most overrated players in the NBA, as the forward can't shake this tiring narrative.
Kuzma was far from the biggest problem for the Bucks this year
Now this isn't to say that Kuzma is untouchable and the Bucks should absolutely look to keep him; he just was far from their biggest issue, and all things considered, was one of the better and more consistent performers across the whole season.
However, being paid $22.5 million this season for 13 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists on shooting splits of .492/.347/.726 is a fair argument to say his production does not match the value of his contract. This was his career high in efficiency from the field and a third-best year from deep, so there have been positive signs across the year.
The first point that Bleacher Report raises is that Kuzma is that he can't be overrated when most people are out on him and think he is a bad player, which does beg the question why is he on the list then if people already don't rate him? They go on to say he doesn't provide enough outside of scoring which is a fair criticism that all Bucks wished they could see more from him on the boards and an increase in defensive numbers.
What's next for Kuzma?
Now that the new head coaching search is underway, along with the constant rumor mill of Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, it raises questions about whether Kuzma will be a part of the team next season. He is under contract for one more season, with his deal dropping to $20.4 million, meaning he is one of the bigger contracts the Bucks can move in a trade this summer, should they find a suitor that is willing to take his expiring deal.
Giannis' future is the big domino, as that will ultimately determine what the front office does with the rest of the roster. If he leaves, there is the likelihood that a lot of those contracts will be moved on too as the team looks to rebuild.
Milwaukee uncovered some young talent this season, too, with Ryan Rollins, Ousmane Dieng, Pete Nance, and even Cormac Ryan all firing down the stretch, potentially giving the Bucks a direction to move away from Kuzma.
It has been a chaotic season for the Bucks and everyone involved. Kuzma has not set the world alight, and he has been far from the team's biggest issue.
That doesn't mean he will still be on the roster come the start of next season, but being named as one of the top 10 overrated players in the league when most people already checked out on him feels harsh, and is a narrative he can't seem to shake off.
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