The Milwaukee Bucks have traded
forward Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for
forward Kyle Kuzma, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. In this
significant move, the deal also includes the Wizards receiving
guard AJ Johnson and a future pick swap, and the Bucks receiving
forward Patrick Baldwin Jr.

Trade Details:

• Milwaukee
  Bucks Receive:
• Kyle Kuzma
• Patrick Baldwin Jr.
• 2nd round pick (most favorable in
  2025)
• Washington
  Wizards Receive:
• Khris Middleton
• AJ Johnson
• Future pick swap (2028)

Khris Middleton, a three-time
All-Star, has been instrumental in the Bucks’ success over the past
decade, contributing significantly to their 2021 NBA Championship.
This season, Middleton has averaged 13.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and
3.8 assists per game. 

Kyle Kuzma, 29, is averaging
21.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this season.
His scoring ability and versatility are expected to complement the
Bucks’ core lineup, providing additional offensive firepower
alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian
Lillard. 

In additional details to the
initial trade, the Bucks are also receiving Jericho Sims from the
New York Knicks and are sending out Delon Wright and cash to the
Knicks. This deal now becomes a three-team deal between Milwaukee,
Washington, and New York.

ANALYSIS: For the second year in
a row, the Bucks have traded one of their core members of their
championship winning squad in 2021. Jrue Holiday was dealt last
season and now, Middleton is being shipped off to Washington. This
trade reflects the Bucks’ strategy to infuse younger talent into
their roster while maintaining their championship aspirations. For
the Wizards, acquiring a seasoned veteran like Middleton aligns
with their goal of adding experience and leadership to their
developing team, or he could potentially be a buyout candidate or
another trade chip to trade for draft picks to contending
teams.