Earlier today, the Toronto Star reported shared interest between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Raptors regarding a potential trade from the Milwaukee Bucks. In the aftermath, Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma posted an amusing response on his Instagram story: a training video, in which Kuzma is shown boxing, superimposed by the caption, “Me to @giannis_an34 if you leave next year 😂😂😂😂.” Bleacher Report then tweeted the video.
Kyle Kuzma jokingly calls out Giannis about potentially leaving Milwaukee this offseason 🤣
(via @kylekuzma) pic.twitter.com/UgPqw0bbQ7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 2, 2025
Bucks fans on twitter found Kuzma’s post ironically humorous, but probably not in the way the Milwaukee forward intended.
Milwaukee Bucks Tenure Has Made a Punching Bag of Kuzma
Among many fans, Kuzma was unpopular on arrival. To acquire him from Washington, the team traded franchise fave Khris Middleton, along with promising youngster AJ Johnson, Milwaukee’s first-round pick last year. While the move seemed like a promising commitment to a more athletic future, Kuzma did not show the necessary shooting improvements the Bucks had hoped would manifest in a more motivating environment.
His modest efficiency increase post-trade (45.5/33.3/66.3 shooting splits) still fell short of league-average marks. Turns out Kuzma’s down season in Washington wasn’t solely the product of a tanking-induced torpor.
Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) dribbles the ball while Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Kuzma was even worse in the playoffs. In five games against the Pacers, he averaged 5.8 points per game on 34.3% from the field. By Game 5, he’d been benched. Add to his shooting struggles a number of head-scratching turnovers and his performance had fans calling for his head louder than ever by series’ end.
Rather than seeing Kuzma as part of the team’s future, the fanbase just wants him gone. In retrospect, the trade looks borderline catastrophic. If the Bucks do unload him, they will likely have to sweeten the pot one way or another due to his unflattering playoff woes.
So, when Kuzma joked about wanting to keep Giannis in Milwaukee, commenters couldn’t help but point out that Kuzma himself might be making the Bucks’ roster a less than desirable situation for their superstar.
Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates with Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Bucks Fans Poke Fun at Kuzma Post’s Irony
Despite Kuzma’s short stay in Milwaukee, tweeters had ample ammunition to respond with.
This is who’s talking btw pic.twitter.com/LOeC4KunZx
— ✦ Dubs (@Dubswrld0) June 2, 2025
Others replied in kind:
“Kuzma part of the reason he leaving. Bro put up Tony Snell numbers in the playoffs.”
“if you was a halfway decent player he might consider stayin 😭.”
“Giannis gives zero fks what Kuzma has to say.”
Giannis rn: pic.twitter.com/AhJbdMns3W
— Say Less 🌚 (@SayLessHQ) June 2, 2025
Per Athlon Sports, Giannis did in fact acknowledge Kuzma’s post, responding with a pair of laughing emojis and a face-palm: “😂😂🤦🏽♂️.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Kyle Kuzma
Feb 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) smiles after the win over the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
For Bucks players and organization members, it must be awkward hearing daily rumors about which team, not named the Milwaukee Bucks, will roster the Greek Freak next season. On the flip side, of course, the Bucks community is more than accustomed to the inexorable Giannis trade speculation that has been years ongoing.
The issue with Kuzma’s faux pas is, well, the Kuzma of it all. Coming from someone else, the jest would be unlikely to spark such scorn.
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