The 2025 NBA trade deadline continues to heat up! Shams Charania just broke the news that the Milwaukee Bucks are trading Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft compensation. On paper, it looks like this trade is an opportunity for the Bucks to get younger while the Wizards pick up some veteran leadership, draft compensation, and a young guard in AJ Johnson. Let’s take a deeper look at this Bucks Wizards trade.
Breaking: The Milwaukee Bucks are trading Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/hCOzqqqUXE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2025
Bucks And Wizards Trade Former NBA Champions
Bucks Land Kuzma
The biggest name in this trade is likely Kuzma. He has been wasting away in Washington and has made it clear that he is looking to make his way to a title contender. He now gets that opportunity. Kuzma is getting to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard for a chance at competing once again for a title.
For the Bucks to really contend with Kuzma on the roster, he is going to need to step up his game. Kuzma’s stats have fallen off a cliff this season, going from 22.2 points per game last year to only 15.2 points a game this year. He is shooting only 28.1% from the three-point line this year. Hopefully, for the Bucks, his play was partly due to his discontent in Washington. Kuzma will give the Bucks more frontcourt size allowing them to optimize lineups where Giannis plays the five.
Bucks Wizards Trade Brings Middleton to Washington
The Wizards have gotten rid of a player who didn’t want to be there and picked up a championship veteran and another exciting young player. Middleton has been recovering from injury this season and although hasn’t put up the same production as the last couple of seasons, is playing fairly efficient basketball. Middleton is shooting 40.7% from three, a skill any team would be happy to have.
The Wizards are also picking up AJ Johnson, a rookie who will now probably have an opportunity to get some more opportunities on a rebuilding squad. Johnson has only played in seven games for the Bucks this season. He fits the Wizards timeline much better than Milwaukee’s and could become a solid player. The Wizards also acquired a pick swap which could ultimately benefit them.
Photo credit: © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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