Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton Swap Teams in Major NBA Trade

2025-03-01

The Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks have finalized a significant trade involving forward Kyle Kuzma and veteran Khris Middleton. The deal, completed just ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline, sees Kuzma heading to the Bucks in exchange for Middleton, along with additional assets. The Wizards also receive guard AJ Johnson, a 2028 first-round pick swap, and a 2025 second-round pick, while sending forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. to Milwaukee.

Kuzma, a former NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, has spent the past three seasons with the Wizards, averaging 20.2 points per game during that span. However, his performance has dipped this season, with shooting percentages of 28.1% from three-point range and 49.5% on two-point attempts. Despite these struggles, the Bucks are betting on Kuzma’s championship experience and versatility to bolster their roster as they aim for another title run.

Middleton, a key figure in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship victory, has faced persistent injury issues in recent years, limiting his availability and productivity. This season, the 33-year-old has appeared in just 23 games, averaging 12.6 points per game, his lowest since his rookie year. The Wizards, in the midst of a rebuild, view Middleton as a veteran presence who can contribute while they develop younger talent.

The trade also has financial implications for both teams. Kuzma agreed to reduce his trade bonus to facilitate the deal, helping the Bucks avoid the restrictive second tax apron. This move positions Milwaukee to make additional roster improvements ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, the Wizards continue their rebuild, acquiring draft assets and young players to shape their future.

For Kuzma, the move to Milwaukee represents an opportunity to join a playoff contender and reignite his career. For Middleton, it marks the end of a storied tenure with the Bucks, where he became one of the franchise’s most celebrated players. Both teams now look ahead to the next phase of their respective seasons, with the Bucks aiming for championship contention and the Wizards focused on long-term growth.

Wizards trade Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciunas in separate deals

Washington accelerates its rebuild, landing Khris Middleton, a pair of young guards and draft picks.

www.washingtonpost.com

Bucks trade Khris Middleton for Wizards' Kyle Kuzma as Milwaukee parts ways with title-winning veteran

The Bucks have explored Middleton trades throughout the season and pulled the trigger on Deadline Eve

www.cbssports.com

Bucks take big swing in trading Khris Middleton to Wizards for Kyle Kuzma

The Bucks are moving on from an important part of their championship run in hope of improving their chances of contending for another title.

nypost.com

Magic Johnson Shares Thoughts On Milwaukee Bucks Kyle Kuzma Trade

On Wednesday evening, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Charlotte Hornets by a score of 112-102. Before the game, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the

www.si.com

Grading the Khris Middleton-Kyle Kuzma trade: What does this do for the Bucks and Wizards?

It's an odd deal for both sides, but if you squint it might make a little more sense.

sports.yahoo.com

Fantasy Hockey News - Advice, Stats, Sleepers, Rankings and more - The Athletic

Breaking Fantasy Hockey news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player

www.nytimes.com

Fantasy Hockey News - Advice, Stats, Sleepers, Rankings and more - The Athletic

Breaking Fantasy Hockey news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player

www.nytimes.com