The trade deadline drama continues, and the Milwaukee Bucks are the next to shake things up. Milwaukee has dealt Khris Middleton, along with AJ Johnson and a pick swap, to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft compensation according to Shams Charania.
For Milwaukee, this deal signals that they are going all-in for a championship by moving their aging star for a player in his prime who adds size and scoring to the core of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Wizards land a veteran and draft assets in Middleton to pair with Jordan Poole and the emerging talent on their roster. But who truly won this trade? We have a grade for every major party involved.
Milwaukee Bucks: B+
The Bucks’ decision to move Khris Middleton is a smart but calculated gamble in their quest for another title. With Middleton’s declining health and struggles to regain his pre-injury form (12.6 points and 4.4 assists per game in 23 appearances), Milwaukee decided it was time to pivot toward a younger, more versatile piece in Kyle Kuzma.
Kuzma’s ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and play both forward spots gives Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard the ideal third option they desperately need. Kuzma is averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 42.0% from the floor so even on a down year, we know what he can do when motivated.
His presence improves the team’s size, boosts their transition game, and adds an extra scoring punch that Middleton could no longer provide. It also helps that Kuzma has championship experience with the 2019-20 Lakers, albeit in the “Bubble”, but he knows what it would be like in the postseason.
In a loaded Eastern Conference, Milwaukee is clearly aiming for immediate results, and Kuzma’s youth and upside could pay off big if he delivers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: B+
Giannis has been vocal about wanting the Bucks to remain in title contention, and this move signals Milwaukee’s commitment to keeping him happy. With Dame and Giannis as the focal points, adding Kuzma gives the Bucks a complementary weapon who can shoulder the scoring load when one of the stars is off.
Giannis will appreciate Kuzma’s size, versatility, and willingness to fill gaps in areas the team has lacked this season, particularly in transition offense and spacing. Still, there’s always an adjustment period with new pieces. Giannis will need to trust Kuzma to hit big shots in critical moments—something Middleton had mastered in the past.
While the Bucks’ rough start to the season warranted changes, the franchise has delivered and their star player should be very happy about that.
Washington Wizards: C
The Wizards seem to be fully embracing the tank, but trading Kyle Kuzma for an aging Khris Middleton feels uninspired. Yes, Middleton brings veteran leadership and playoff pedigree, but his hefty player option ($34 million) for next season is likely a burden rather than a benefit for a team looking to rebuild.
The pick-swap doesn’t do much to sweeten the pot, either—Washington could have likely extracted a better haul for Kuzma, who was their best trade chip after Jordan Poole. This trade feels like a half-hearted move that neither accelerates the Wizards’ tank nor gives them significant assets for the future.
Middleton might help mentor young players in the short term, but his presence on a team that’s clearly not contending is questionable. We have to wait and see what the Wizards end up doing with Middleton.
Washington’s front office missed an opportunity to extract more picks or younger talent in exchange for Kuzma’s production although the player’s down year on the stat sheet might be the reason why they had to settle. If the Wizards end up moving Middleton in another trade for better assets, their grade could be higher but until then, it is not a great deal as things stand.
Kyle Kuzma: A
Kyle Kuzma should be thrilled with this deal. After spending years stuck in Washington’s never-ending rebuild, he’s finally joining a contender with legitimate title aspirations. For the first time since his 2019-20 Lakers stint, Kuzma can slot into a meaningful role on a winning team.
As a third option behind Giannis and Dame, he’ll have the freedom to shine without the burden of carrying an entire offense. His size, skill set, and ability to score in bunches make him a seamless fit for Milwaukee’s system.
This trade also gives Kuzma a chance to rewrite his narrative. While his time in Washington allowed him to showcase his skills, it also buried him in irrelevance. Now, Kuzma will be in the national spotlight again, with an opportunity to prove he can thrive under playoff pressure and start boosting his potential.
Jordan Poole: C+
For Jordan Poole, the reality of this trade is bittersweet. On the one hand, he’s now unquestionably the face of the Wizards franchise, free to jack up shots and pad his stats without worrying about sharing the spotlight.
We have seen how Poole thrives in isolation scoring, and this move allows him to fully unleash his offensive repertoire. In that sense, it’s a dream scenario for a player who clearly likes the freedom to create.
But let’s be real: Poole isn’t winning much of anything in Washington. While he might enjoy the personal accolades of being the team’s go-to scorer, this environment won’t help him shed the perception that he’s a high-volume scorer who struggles to contribute to winning basketball.
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