The Milwaukee Bucks have made a major move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Milwaukee is sending Khris Middleton, rookie AJ Johnson, and a pick swap to Washington in exchange for Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft compensation.
Kuzma, 29, is averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes per game this season. He is in the second year of a four-year, $90 million contract.
Middleton, a key member of Milwaukee’s 2021 championship team, has been dealing with injuries in recent seasons. He is averaging 12.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 23.2 minutes per game while playing on a three-year, $93 million contract with a player option for next season.
The Bucks, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 26-22 record, have struggled with consistency this season. Adding Kuzma gives them a versatile forward who can provide scoring and rebounding while complementing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Washington, which holds the NBA’s worst record at 8-41, acquires Middleton’s experience and Johnson’s potential as the franchise continues its rebuild.
Patrick Baldwin Jr., who was drafted by the Warriors in 2022, has played limited minutes in Washington. The second-round draft compensation Milwaukee is receiving could also help with future roster moves.
The deal signals the Bucks’ urgency to improve their roster before the playoffs. With Middleton’s injury concerns and declining production, Milwaukee is betting on Kuzma to make an immediate impact.
For the Wizards, this move could lead to more trades before the deadline as they look to reshape their roster.
With just hours remaining before the deadline, the trade market remains active, and further deals could follow.
