While Kyle Kuzma wasn’t what the Milwaukee Bucks needed, and it’s tough to ignore that, there were more reasons than one for them to make that trade.
Of course, giving up a franchise legend in Khris Middleton and sending him to the Washington Wizards wasn’t exactly ideal or fair for him, but Middleton is still getting paid at the end of the day and could eventually be bought out to join a contender.
Regarding Kuzma, the Wizards had every reason in the world to move on from him. He was taking shot attempts from some of their young players, and with all the young talent the Wizards have, they no longer needed that..
However, for the Bucks to be the team they’re looking to be over the next year or so, it might require them to move on from Kuzma.
Whether they can do that without giving up the 2031 first-round pick remains to be seen, but the Bucks will have to hope that’ll be the case.
Unfortunately, according to Evan Sidery of Forbes, Kuzma’s value is currently nonexistent, adding that the Bucks have shown some interest in Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors, but it doesn’t sound like Golden State is willing to take Kuzma in return.
“The Bucks have explored sign-and-trade scenarios to obtain Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors show little interest in Kyle Kuzma, so it would take attaching their 2031 1st plus a prospect to gain any significant traction. In the meantime, Kuminga’s market appears to be at a standstill,” he wrote.
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Kuminga would be an intriguing option for the Bucks due to his age, as he has some upside.
Ultimately, however, it’s tough to say that he’s a perfect fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He lacks a jump shot and would clog up the offense for the Bucks.
Still, if they could land him for Kuzma, it might not be the worst idea.
