After their season ended in the first round for the second consecutive year, the Milwaukee Bucks need to consider their future strategy. With limited trade options to improve the roster, one potential move is acquiring Kyle Kuzma.
Ti Windish and Rohan Katti proposed a trade that would send the Washington Wizards’ wing to the Bucks:
Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Brook Lopez
Katti explained Kuzma’s potential impact on the Bucks.
“Kyle Kuzma would be a dynamic player and a great fit alongside Giannis, and he could support Dame,” Katti said. “Having that secondary and tertiary scoring option when one of those guys is on the bench, and adding a dynamic scorer to relieve some pressure from Giannis, Dame, and Khris would be beneficial.”
Trading Lopez would shift Antetokounmpo to play center full-time, a role he’s occasionally taken but not consistently. Acquiring Kuzma might require more than just Lopez, given Kuzma’s reputation.
Kuzma is entering the second year of a four-year, $90 million contract. He won a title with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and has averaged over 20 points per game for the past two seasons.
Kyle Kuzma Rejected Mavericks Trade
During the 2023-24 season, Kuzma could have been traded. He revealed that the Dallas Mavericks had a deal in place, but it fell through. He chose to stay with the Wizards.
“There was a point when Dallas wanted me,” Kuzma told Robbins on February 13. “Michael Winger presented the trade to me, but he didn’t want to trade me and left the decision up to me. I wanted to stay and build something with the Wizards, so that was the end of it.”
Kuzma also explained why he didn’t join the Mavericks.
“I’ve won a championship, so I know it’s not just about contending for a playoff spot but for an NBA title. There are only three or four true contenders. I felt our timelines didn’t match.”
Although ironic in hindsight considering the Mavericks’ current situation, if Kuzma wants to join a contender, the Bucks fit the profile despite their recent playoff struggles.
Kyle Kuzma & Brook Lopez Played Together Once
Kuzma and Lopez were teammates on the Lakers during the 2017-19 seasons. The Lakers acquired Lopez to clear cap space for LeBron James.
Lopez then joined the Bucks and helped them win a title in 2021, while Kuzma helped the Lakers win in 2020. Both players make $23 million for the 2024-25 season, making a trade feasible despite the Bucks’ luxury tax situation.
