NBA trade grades: Bucks send Khris Middleton to basketball purgatory for Kyle Kuzma

NBA trade grades: Bucks send Khris Middleton to basketball purgatory for Kyle Kuzma and more

The Bucks finally pulled the trigger on trading away long-time wing Khris Middleton.

Feb 2, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) puts up a shot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images / Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

After weeks of speculation about a potential roster shakeup, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially moved on from Khris Middleton, sending him — along with rookie AJ Johnson — to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft compensation, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal also includes a pick swap heading to Washington.

Milwaukee’s new Big Three

The Bucks' early-season struggles stemmed largely from Middleton’s injuries, which lingered from last year’s playoffs. While he returned in December, he never fully regained his form, averaging 12.6 points in just 23.2 minutes per game. Paying $31 million for a bench piece was never ideal, and Milwaukee opted to swap him for a plug-and-play contributor in Kuzma.

For Kuzma, this move is a chance to prove himself in a contending environment after a lackluster season with Washington. He’s shooting career lows from both the field and beyond the arc, but a fresh start alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard could help him turn things around.

Milwaukee, currently four games above .500 and struggling to find consistency, gets a versatile forward who can space the floor, defend multiple positions, and thrive in transition — a much-needed boost for their stagnant offense.

Washington’s perspective: A short-term gamble?

For the Wizards, the motivation behind this deal seems unclear. Middleton, at 33, doesn’t align with their long-term rebuild, making him a likely buyout candidate or future trade asset. His injury history and declining production suggest he’s not a cornerstone piece for a rebuilding team.

The true upside for Washington comes from AJ Johnson, the 23rd overall pick who flashed potential with a 13-point outing against OKC earlier this week. He’ll now get a larger role on a young, developing roster, though his long-term fit remains uncertain.

So who really won the trade?

Milwaukee Bucks trade grade: B+

Washington Wizards trade grade: D+

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