ESPN's Bobby Marks claims that the Milwaukee Bucks will be incredibly aggressive via free agency and trade this summer as they aim to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with a well-rounded roster. One Buck whose future with the franchise could be in doubt if that is the case is Kyle Kuzma, who is arguably the team's likeliest trade candidate this offseason.
Bucks' Kyle Kuzma will be on the trade block all summer
The Milwaukee Bucks traded for Kyle Kuzma for a handful of reasons. Did they really think he was a better fit than Khris Middleton? Perhaps, but it also certainly helped that swapping them would help the team get out of the second apron and give them another tradeable contract to flip down the line. The latter two points will be very useful this summer.
If the Milwaukee Bucks are on the hunt for a significant name this summer, maybe even Kevin Durant, Kuzma's $23 million salary would be very useful. Now out of the second apron as well, they have the luxury of being able to combine salaries. Packaging Kuzma, Pat Connaughton (if he accepts his player option, which seems inevitable), and draft capital could help net an upgrade.
So, who are potential candidates?
Well, Durant is certainly interesting, but he may cost too much. Could the Milwaukee Bucks get in on Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III in New Orleans? The two teams do have some recent history with trades. Maybe Milwaukee looks to add a sharpshooting win from the Nets in Cameron Johnson. Perhaps they look to beef up the backcourt with a fast-paced guard like Collin Sexton.
With plenty of newfound flexibility and a general manager who has never been shy with big swings, there are plenty of possibilities.
To be upfront, teams won't be banging down Milwaukee's door to get Kyle Kuzma. He's coming off a poor playoff showing and has a decent-sized salary. However, if the Milwaukee Bucks begin to dangle picks alongside Kuzma, especially the prized 2031 first-round pick, teams will be far more interested.
Milwaukee's aggressiveness could see Kyle Kuzma's tenure as a Buck end after a short, brutal stint to close the 2024-25 NBA season. Right now, it's all about the waiting game. The Bucks have not been a team featured heavily in the rumor mill, but that was also the case when they traded for Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. They are always lurking, quietly waiting for the right moment to make their move.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.