Kyle Kuzma’s Future in Milwaukee Uncertain as Bucks Ramp Up Roster Moves to Keep Giannis
Kyle Kuzma might want to keep his bags half-packed.
Less than a year after landing in Milwaukee at the trade deadline, the veteran forward could be on the move again - this time as a potential casualty of the Bucks’ all-out effort to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in town. With the franchise feeling the pressure to build a contender around its two-time MVP, Kuzma’s name is surfacing in trade talks once more.
Let’s be clear: the Bucks are in win-now mode. And with Giannis sidelined by a calf strain and Milwaukee clinging to the Play-In picture, the front office is looking for ways to shake things up - fast.
That means anyone not named Antetokounmpo or Damian Lillard could be in play. And Kuzma, with his $22.4 million salary and inconsistent production, is right in the crosshairs.
According to league insiders, including Michael Scotto, Kuzma and Bobby Portis are considered the most likely trade chips Milwaukee could use to bring in help. Kuzma, in particular, has been mentioned in multiple conversations as the Bucks explore how to reshape the roster ahead of February’s trade deadline.
From a cap perspective, Kuzma’s contract is a natural match for any incoming high-priced player. But the decision isn’t just about dollars - it’s also about impact. And while Kuzma has shown flashes of improvement this season, especially in terms of efficiency, it might not be enough to erase the memory of his underwhelming playoff performance last spring.
Let’s rewind to the 2025 postseason. Kuzma struggled mightily in Milwaukee’s first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers, averaging just 5.8 points per game on 34.3% shooting from the floor and a rough 20% from deep. For a player expected to be a scoring threat off the wing, it was a tough showing - and one that stuck with fans and front office execs alike.
To his credit, Kuzma has bounced back in the 2025-26 campaign. At 30, he’s quietly putting together one of the most efficient scoring seasons of his career.
His true shooting percentage is trending toward a personal best, and he’s looked more comfortable in the Bucks’ system. But in a season where every move is being made with Giannis’ long-term future in mind, personal progress might not be enough.
Milwaukee’s front office has made it clear: they’re buyers, not sellers. They’re not entertaining the idea of moving Giannis, and they’re not interested in standing pat while the East gets tougher around them. That means tough decisions are coming - and Kuzma could be one of the first dominoes to fall.
For Kuzma, this is familiar territory. From his early days with the Lakers to his recent stint in Washington, and now Milwaukee, he’s seen the business side of the NBA up close. But if the Bucks are serious about retooling around Giannis, there’s a real chance Kuzma’s time in Wisconsin could be short-lived.
The Bucks are in a race - not just for playoff positioning, but for Giannis’ commitment. And in that kind of race, sentiment takes a backseat to strategy.