The Milwaukee Bucks have spent the past few years trying to strengthen the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. One of their more notable efforts to address that issue came with the addition of former Los Angeles Lakers champion Kyle Kuzma.
The Bucks brought in Kuzma from the Washington Wizards last season in a deal centered around longtime franchise favorite Khris Middleton. At first, the move seemed to show real potential.
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) reacts in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
After joining Milwaukee, Kuzma posted averages of 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while playing 31.8 minutes per game to wrap up the 2024-25 regular season. He shot 45.5 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
The 2025 NBA Playoffs painted a different picture for Kuzma. He struggled throughout the series, averaging just 5.8 points in 20.4 minutes as the Bucks endured a first-round embarrassment against the Indiana Pacers. The version of Kuzma appearing in the 2025-26 campaign has resembled that same disappointing form.
Kyle Kuzma with the Bucks this season
Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Kuzma’s rough stretch has carried into this season, as he’s averaging 11.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while hitting 55 percent of his shots from the floor but only 10 percent from beyond the arc.
The Bucks already hit a roadblock when the Damian Lillard experiment fell apart, leaving them to rely on Myles Turner. If Kuzma cannot rise to the occasion, it only strengthens the case for Giannis Antetokounmpo to consider leaving Milwaukee sooner rather than later.
Antetokounmpo dominated trade headlines throughout the summer of 2025. That buzz will grow louder if the Bucks continue to fall short of giving him a true chance to contend for an NBA title.
With the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers limping, the Bucks are looking to exploit a weakened Eastern Conference in 2025-26. With many star players absent, Milwaukee has a chance to position itself as a dark horse contender for the NBA Finals. To make that push, Kuzma must elevate his game. The former first-round pick proved he could produce as a primary option for a struggling Wizards team.
Apr 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) warms up before game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
In Washington, Kuzma delivered 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, showing he could make a real impact when relied upon. So far in Milwaukee, his production has not lived up to expectations.
Now entering the second-to-last year of his four-year, $90 million contract, Kuzma faces a critical period. If he does not turn things around, the former Los Angeles first-round pick could be staring at a veteran minimum deal by 2027.