Trading Kyle Kuzma would clear Milwaukee’s crowded forward rotation while creating more opportunities for the young players central to its rebuild.
The Milwaukee Bucks have dramatically changed direction since trading Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat, but their offseason work should not be considered complete.
Milwaukee now has a younger roster featuring Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nate Ament, Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakucionis. The organization must determine which veterans fit alongside that group and which players would be more valuable as trade assets.
That leaves Kyle Kuzma and where he fits among all of the change.
Apr 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forwardKyleKuzma(18) drives for the basket against Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza (52) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn ImagesKuzma remains a capable NBA forward and a versatile player for any team he's on. Milwaukee could explore a trade involving Kuzma to bring in more draft capital for a desperate team looking for a championship contributor in Kuzma.
Kuzma Could No Longer Fit Milwaukee’s Direction
Kuzma averaged 13 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting 49.2% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range across 69 games last season.
Those numbers show he can still help any squad with his experience. However, the 31-year-old is unlikely to improve significantly by the time Milwaukee’s younger core is ready to contend, so a breakup could be best for both sides.
The Bucks must create opportunities for Ament, Jaquez and other developing forwards. Kuzma could take minutes and offensive touches from those players without meaningfully changing Milwaukee’s championship outlook.
Mar 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forwardKyleKuzma(18) dribbles the ball against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesHead coach Taylor Jenkins will already need to balance several players who can operate at forward. Keeping Kuzma would only make that rotation more complicated, particularly if the Bucks prioritize development over chasing a lower playoff seed.
Trading him would establish a clearer hierarchy and allow Milwaukee to evaluate its younger pieces in meaningful roles.
Milwaukee Should Not Expect a Massive Return
The Bucks are unlikely to receive a premium first-round pick for Kuzma.
His production has declined from the 22.2 points per game he averaged with Washington in 2022-23, and potential trade partners will understand Milwaukee’s motivation to move him.
Mar 19, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forwardKyleKuzma(18) shoots the ball against Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) during the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesStill, Kuzma’s contract could make a deal possible. His descending salary structure is less burdensome than a conventional long-term contract, and his experience could appeal to a playoff team seeking additional scoring and size at forward.
Milwaukee should prioritize a younger player, draft compensation or additional financial flexibility. Even a modest return could benefit the Bucks if it clears developmental minutes and improves their future options.
The organization should not trade Kuzma merely to remove him from the roster. Taking back a worse long-term contract would defeat the purpose, and attaching draft capital to move him would be unnecessarily aggressive.
If the right offer does not emerge, Milwaukee can revisit the market closer to the trade deadline. Injuries and disappointing starts may create new demand among contenders.
However, the Bucks should begin the season with a roster aligned around their new timeline if possible. Kuzma can still contribute in the NBA, but his greatest value to Milwaukee now may come through what he can bring back in a trade.
