Exciting News; Bucks Head Coach Confirmed Latest Deal Of The Season After Four-star Veteran Commit To
The Milwaukee Bucks have traded Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards, marking the end of his long tenure as one of the team’s core players. The trade, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, brings Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks in exchange for Middleton. Additionally, Milwaukee sends rookie guard AJ Johnson, their first-round draft pick from last year, and a pick swap to Washington. In return, the Bucks receive forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation.
In a separate move, the New York Knicks are sending center Jericho Sims to the Bucks in exchange for Delon Wright and cash, sources reported.
Middleton, 33, has spent over 11 seasons with the Bucks, playing a pivotal role in their 2021 NBA championship win. However, his recent years have been plagued by injuries, including offseason ankle surgeries that kept him out for the first 21 games of this season. As a result, his production has dropped, with his current average of 12.6 points per game being his lowest since the 2013-14 season.
Middleton is owed $31.7 million this season and has a player option for $34 million next year. Meanwhile, Kuzma is earning $23.5 million this season, with his salary set to decrease to $21.4 million next year and $19.4 million in the final year of his contract.
As part of the deal, Kuzma has agreed to reduce a portion of the trade bonus in his contract. This move helps Milwaukee avoid the second apron, providing the team with additional financial flexibility to enhance their roster.
For the Bucks, the trade represents a shift as they trade away their longest-tenured player, who was a cornerstone alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Middleton’s rise from G-League player to NBA All-Star is a testament to his skills, particularly his chemistry with Antetokounmpo. Over a five-year stretch from 2017-2022, Middleton averaged over 20 points per game and played a crucial role in the Bucks’ championship run in 2021, where he helped lead the team to its first NBA title in 50 years.
However, injuries have plagued him since the championship, with knee and wrist issues limiting his playing time. After offseason ankle surgeries, Middleton’s season debut was delayed until December, and he has since played in 23 games, starting 7.
On the other hand, Kuzma, 29, adds youthful energy to the Bucks’ roster. This season, he is averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds on 42% shooting, his lowest shooting percentage of his career. While Kuzma has struggled with his 3-point shooting, currently at a career-low 28%, he provides a versatile option in Milwaukee’s frontcourt, capable of playing alongside Antetokounmpo in small-ball lineups.
Kuzma signed a four-year, $102 million deal with Washington in July 2023, following a strong season in which he averaged 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. Defensively, Kuzma has shown improvement, with opponents shooting just 42.7% against him this season, placing him among the top 25 defenders in the league.
Rookie AJ Johnson, who has seen limited playing time with the Bucks, will likely continue his development in the G League. Meanwhile, Patrick Baldwin Jr., a 22-year-old Wisconsin native, has also been used sparingly, appearing in just 22 games for the Wizards this season.
This trade signals a significant shift in Milwaukee’s roster, as they retool for the future while still maintaining a competitive core led by Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez.
