The Milwaukee Bucks just made a franchise-altering move. The Bucks have sent Khris Middleton, a key part of their 2021 championship, to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. The deal raises questions for both teams. Did the Bucks trade stability for volatility? Did the Wizards get enough for Kuzma?
Trade Grades: Kuzma To The Bucks, Middleton To The Wizards
Trade Details
Wizards receive:
- Khris Middleton
- AJ Johnson
- 2028 first-round pick swap
Bucks receive:
- Kyle Kuzma
- Patrick Baldwin Jr.
- 2025 second-round pick
Milwaukee Bucks: B-
At first glance, the trade seems questionable for the Bucks. Middleton, despite his injuries, remains a smart player who spaces the floor, makes the right plays, and has chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 33-year-old is shooting 40.7% from three this season and provides steady playmaking.
Swapping him for Kuzma brings uncertainty. Kuzma, 29, has struggled this season, averaging just 15.2 points on a poor 48.8% true shooting. His defense is more reputation than actual metrics. Playing for a team that’s won less than 100 games over the last four seasons doesn’t help, but he hasn’t proven himself as a reliable two-way player.
The Bucks have a financial benefit from this trade. They drop under the second apron, giving them more flexibility in future deals. That breathing room matters, especially for a team with limited trade assets. However, flexibility only helps if they use it wisely.
Kuzma could revive his game in a winning environment. He thrived with the Lakers when playing a supporting role. If he regains that form, he could be an effective third option behind Giannis and Damian Lillard. Yet, replacing Middleton’s steady hand with Kuzma’s erratic play carries risk.
Another concern is playmaking. Middleton provided secondary ball-handling, something Kuzma doesn’t offer. That puts more pressure on Giannis and Lillard to create offense. The Bucks already struggle with late-game execution. This trade doesn’t fix that.
The Bucks took a gamble. If Kuzma finds his rhythm, this deal could look better. But right now, it’s hard to justify a grade higher than a B-.
Washington Wizards: B-
For the Wizards, this trade centers on leadership. Middleton brings championship experience to a rebuilding team. While he doesn’t fit their timeline, his presence could help younger players like Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George.
Middleton’s mentorship could be invaluable, especially for Coulibaly, who has a similar skill set. If he helps accelerate Coulibaly’s development, his $34 million salary for next season might be worth it.
The Wizards also get a pick swap and a chance to develop Johnson. That’s solid value, though not overwhelming.
The biggest question is whether they could have gotten more for Kuzma. Big wings who can handle the ball and create offense usually hold strong trade value. Kuzma, despite a rough season, still fits that mold. It’s surprising that Washington settled for Middleton rather than seeking more youth or draft assets.
If a better deal never materialized, this trade makes sense in context. The Wizards’ front office, led by Will Dawkins, has prioritized rebuilding through the draft. Adding a veteran leader while securing a pick swap aligns with that strategy.
A B- feels fair. They didn’t maximize Kuzma’s value, but Middleton’s presence could provide long-term benefits.
Final Thoughts on the Kuzma-Middleton Trade
Both teams took risks. The Bucks bet on Kuzma regaining form, while the Wizards sacrificed immediate upside for leadership. Milwaukee gets financial flexibility, but loses a steady veteran. Washington gets a respected mentor, but might have sold Kuzma too low.
Time will tell who won this trade, but for now, neither team deserves higher than a B-.
© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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