The Milwaukee Bucks have made a significant deadline-day trade, acquiring Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr. from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, comes just a day before the NBA trade deadline as the Bucks look to reshape their roster for a deep playoff push.
Full Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and 2025 Second-Round pick
Washington Wizards Receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, 2028 First-Round pick swap
The Bucks currently sit 5th in the Eastern Conference (26-22) but have struggled since winning the NBA In-Season Tournament. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and roster inefficiencies have held them back from truly competing at the top of the East.
By bringing in Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee hopes to add a more durable and versatile forward to help Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
The 28-year-old Kuzma is averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, but his shooting efficiency has dropped to 42.0% from the field and 28.1% from three—his worst percentages since joining Washington. But, many believe this is more a product of the Wizards’ dysfunction than a decline in Kuzma’s abilities.
Adding Patrick Baldwin Jr., a 6’9” forward with some three-point shooting upside, provides the Bucks with a young project piece, while also getting under the second apron financially.
Kuzma is in the second year of his four-year, $90 million contract, which gives Milwaukee some long-term stability as they aim to remain a title contender for the next few seasons.
At 8-41, the Wizards have the worst record in the NBA, and their season is effectively over. Kuzma had been rumored to be growing frustrated with all the losing, and Washington finally decided to move on.
Bringing in Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round swap is a clear signal that the Wizards are focused on gathering future assets and financial flexibility.
Middleton has declined significantly since the 2021-22 season, where he was an All-Star and the Bucks’ clear second option before injuries derailed his career. Now 32 years old, Middleton is averaging 12.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists on 51.2% shooting from the field and 40.7% from three. His numbers are solid, but his durability remains a concern.
He is currently in the second year of a three-year, $93 million contract, with a $34 million player option for next season. The Wizards could either try to flip him for more assets in the offseason or allow him to opt out for cap space.
Meanwhile, AJ Johnson, a young rookie averaging 2.9 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, adds another developmental piece to Washington’s growing collection of young players.
For Milwaukee, this move signals an attempt to reshape their roster for a playoff push. The Bucks needed more scoring, size, and defensive versatility, and while Kuzma isn’t an All-Star, he brings youth, durability, and a willingness to play a complementary role alongside Giannis and Lillard.
For Washington, this trade is just another step in their ongoing rebuild. Middleton may not be a long-term piece, but he could provide veteran leadership while the team focuses on building around Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, and their future draft picks.
With the trade deadline nearing, this may not be the last move for either team, but Milwaukee hopes this shake-up brings them back into serious championship contention.
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