According to NBA reporter Steve Bulpett of Heavy Sports, the Milwaukee Bucks are “close” to trading Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma.
Hearing from sources that Middleton from Bucks to Washington for Kuzma is getting close, as is a Wizards-Suns Valanciunas-Nurkic move.
Story coming from @HeavyOnSports on how some teams are looking to make a run, while others position for Cooper Flagg.
Plus Luka-AD talk…
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) February 4, 2025
Middleton helped the Bucks win the 2021 title against the Phoenix Suns. He has a close relationship with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, Middleton is no longer an All-Star-caliber player due to injuries. He’s averaging 12.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season while shooting 51.2% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free-throw line.
A three-time All-Star, Middleton is making $31.7 million this season. He has a player option worth $34 million for next season.
Kuzma (29) is younger than Middleton (33). The former Los Angeles Lakers forward is averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season while shooting 42.0% overall, 28.1% from 3 and 60.2% from the foul line.
A Utah product, Kuzma is making $23.5 million this season. He’ll make $21.5 million next season.
The Bucks are 26-22. They are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Milwaukee made a blockbuster trade last year, trading Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Damian Lillard. The trade didn’t work out, though, as the Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
The Wizards are only 8-41. They have the worst record in the NBA and are trying to lose on purpose so that they can land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft to select Cooper Flagg.
Middleton has played for the Detroit Pistons and Bucks. He has career averages of 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists.
Kuzma, meanwhile, has played for the Lakers and Wizards. He has career averages of 17.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!