The whirlwind of the NBA trade deadline has started to kick in as the Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to trade veteran forward Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Afrosport reports.
The Bucks are parting ways with Middleton, rookie AJ Johnson, and a 2028 first-round pick swap, while alongside Kuzma, Washington is dealing forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation to Milwaukee.
Breaking: The Milwaukee Bucks are trading Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/hCOzqqqUXE
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2025
Middleton, a 2021 NBA champion and three-time All-Star, has spent the past 11-plus seasons with the Bucks since joining in 2013. He is currently averaging 12.6 points per game this season—his lowest since 2013-14—while trying to return to full form after having surgery on both his ankles.
The 33-year-old has only played in 23 games this season, starting just seven, which has dropped his value within the Bucks (26-22), who are fifth in the Eastern Conference.
He departs the Bucks as the franchise’s leader in 3-pointers made (1,382) and attempted (3,552) and only trails Giannis Antetokounmpo in games and minutes played.
Kuzma, meanwhile, is in his fourth season at Washington, having joined the team in a trade deal involving Russell Westbrook, a season after helping them win the 2020 NBA Championship.
The 29-year-old is reportedly reducing a part of the trade bonus in his contract to help Milwaukee stay within the second apron and not incur additional trade penalties.
He is averaging 15.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season—his lowest since joining the Wizards.
