Trade Rumors

[mufan2003]

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1882792334980747618

Of the names being mentioned (Butler, Beal, Lavine), Lavine would be the one of interest to me. He is only 29, to go along with great athleticism and very good numbers (24 ppg, 60.8 eFG%, 51.3 FG%, 45.1 3FG%, 81.2 FT%). That being said, I would still love to see Giannis, Dame and Middleton all be healthy for a playoff run. The Bucks haven't had full health in the playoffs since winning it all in 2021. The supporting cast has really emerged to be quite strong (Lopez, Trent, Portis, Prince, Green, Jackson). There is no absolute need to make a move, but as is always the case, if the right deal comes along......you probably have to make it.

[mufan2003]

I love Jimmy Butler, when has he last played? 36 to Khris' 33, when Jimmy is on, there aren't too many better that can be high level offensively and defensively.

Tatum and Brown. Andre Jackson can certainly defend one, Giannis can, but Jimmy would give you a certainty in giving 1 of those 2 all they can handle.

Lillard, conditioning is great, but his window might still be 2-3 years. If Butler can play at a high level 2-3 years.....ok.

[Goose85]

I do like the current team, and think they can make a legit run if all healthy.

I too love Jimmy, but just wonder how he would do on a team if he is option #3, and not the top dog.

[mufan2003]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1883983360307126781?t=JK9qUEkDYIaA8kDUcM1-QA&s=19

[Goose85]

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1883983360307126781?t=JK9qUEkDYIaA8kDUcM1-QA&s=19

They need to move him fast. Unfortunately, not sure I would want to take a chance on him at his age and salary.

[mufan2003]

Middleton for Kuzma. While AJ Johnson shows promise, I am glad the Bucks didn't have to give up AJ Green.

Khris has performed very well in the last 2 playoff appearances by the Bucks. I guess it just reaches the point they don't have confidence in his health going forward.

Kuzma's numbers aren't good from beyond the arc, but he has size (6'9") and is only 29. For his career.....17.2 PPG and 6.4 RPG. Pretty clear the theory was get something for Khris before he has no value. Supposedly Giannis "signed off" on the move, which is also important (as tight as they were).

Speculation, with Kuzma agreeing to reduce his trade bonus, the Bucks are under the second apron and could not be done making moves (Portis and Connaughton).

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/bucks-trade-khris-middleton-for-wizards-kyle-kuzma-as-milwaukee-parts-ways-with-title-winning-veteran/

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuzmaky01.html

[Goose85]

Middleton for Kuzma. While AJ Johnson shows promise, I am glad the Bucks didn't have to give up AJ Green.

Khris has performed very well in the last 2 playoff appearances by the Bucks. I guess it just reaches the point they don't have confidence in his health going forward.

Kuzma's numbers aren't good from beyond the arc, but he has size (6'9") and is only 29. For his career.....17.2 PPG and 6.4 RPG. Pretty clear the theory was get something for Khris before he has no value. Supposedly Giannis "signed off" on the move, which is also important (as tight as they were).

Speculation, with Kuzma agreeing to reduce his trade bonus, the Bucks are under the second apron and could not be done making moves (Portis and Connaughton).

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/bucks-trade-khris-middleton-for-wizards-kyle-kuzma-as-milwaukee-parts-ways-with-title-winning-veteran/

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuzmaky01.html

Admittedly haven't seen Kuzma play this year so I am speculating, but one thing the Bucks really needed is to get more athletic on the defensive end, and I think this helps.

Appreciate all Middleton did for the Bucks, but it certainly was time to move on and get younger.

I too was very interested in AJ Johnson, but he was not going to see the court for two years, so time to make a move.
Agree on AJ Green, he is turning into a dependable player and kudos to the Bucks for giving him time to develop (one reason why I liked Johnson). I think they saw Sam Merrill at Cleveland and thought they shouldn't give up on Green too early.

Bucks now have flexibility, and at the same time save money. Not sure if other moves are forthcoming now or in the offseason, but you like to have flexibility and an extra pick.

[mufan2003]

I think we have to wait until the trade deadline passes (2pm Central Thursday) to fully evaluate this move. If by making this trade, the Bucks are able to convert Pat, Bobby and the 2031 first round pick into an impact player.....the entire analysis of this move changes. I have to believe getting under the 2nd apron and being able to aggregate salaries in another trade played a major factor in making this move. Because on its own......come playoff time, Kyle Kuzma is not better than Khris Middleton. It is good for the future, not tying up as much money and getting younger. I really hope the Bucks can make another move for a strong wing player (2-way) before the deadline.

Khris Middleton will go down as one of the better players in Bucks history. Three-time All-Star, since arriving in 13-14, basically was there since Giannis arrived. Khris was the playmaker and decision maker in that 2021 championship. In the 4th QTR, Khris had the ball in his hands. After missing the 2022 playoff series against the Celtics, Khris had great showings in the 2023 and 2024 playoffs against the Heat and Pacers without Giannis. I feel bad he has to go to the Wizards, but he has a ring and plenty of money in the bank. He will always be one of my favorite players for maximizing his talent with no drama attached.

[MUfan12]

I think we have to wait until the trade deadline passes (2pm Central Thursday) to fully evaluate this move. If by making this trade, the Bucks are able to convert Pat, Bobby and the 2031 first round pick into an impact player.....the entire analysis of this move changes. I have to believe getting under the 2nd apron and being able to aggregate salaries in another trade played a major factor in making this move. Because on its own......come playoff time, Kyle Kuzma is not better than Khris Middleton. It is good for the future, not tying up as much money and getting younger. I really hope the Bucks can make another move for a strong wing player (2-way) before the deadline.

Khris Middleton will go down as one of the better players in Bucks history. Three-time All-Star, since arriving in 13-14, basically was there since Giannis arrived. Khris was the playmaker and decision maker in that 2021 championship. In the 4th QTR, Khris had the ball in his hands. After missing the 2022 playoff series against the Celtics, Khris had great showings in the 2023 and 2024 playoffs against the Heat and Pacers without Giannis. I feel bad he has to go to the Wizards, but he has a ring and plenty of money in the bank. He will always be one of my favorite players for maximizing his talent with no drama attached.

Sums up my thoughts well. On an emotional level this one stings. Khris was crucial to the best era of Bucks basketball of my life.

[mufan2003]

Jimmy to Golden State for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson and a protected 1st-round pick :

https://x.com/TheLeadSM/status/1887310537349886060

https://x.com/TheLeadSM/status/1887311590342422868 :D

[Goose85]

Bucks trade Delon Wright for Jericho Sims.
Get younger which is important, and more athletic in the middle. Gives Bucks some flexibility and should allow for Lopez to get more rest down the stretch.

Like mufan2003 said, need to let all the moves playout before fully analyzing.

[mufan2003]

Bucks trade Delon Wright for Jericho Sims.
Get younger which is important, and more athletic in the middle. Gives Bucks some flexibility and should allow for Lopez to get more rest down the stretch.

Like mufan2003 said, need to let all the moves playout before fully analyzing.


The Bucks cannot waste a single postseason opportunity with Giannis and Dame. Last year there was a bit of an excuse with Dame not training in the offseason (so an injury would not derail his trade request) and Doc coming over in the middle of the season.

This season, everyone had a full offseason and Doc had training camp to instill his style. If the trade deadline passes and it simply results in Kyle Kuzma for Khris Middleton, that will be disappointing. Sims, while nice to get younger and add size, won't obviously move the needle much this season. There has to be something else, otherwise you might as well have stuck with Khris and given the three (Giannis, Dame, Middleton) a chance to show what they could do in the playoffs.

While Portis and Connaughton are the names consistently being mentioned to be on the trading block, I wonder if Brook is at 37? As usual, probably for the right deal, but you really have no proven size outside Brook. I am hoping for a proven, 2-way wing with size......even if you have to give up the 2031 first-round pick as well.

[Goose85]

I get what you are saying, but I'm not sure there is another deal out there that will really be a big impact this year.

My guess would be Portis and Connaughton get moved in the off season, but not sure there is one this year.

I'm not sure who would be available, but possible that after making the moves yesterday, the Bucks could be in position to add a player that gets released. Again, not sure who might fall into that category based on recent trades.

[mufan2003]

Bucks were interested in Cody Martin, which would have been a nice addition, but he ended up going to Phoenix who were able to offer a 2026 first-round pick.

So Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims and Kevin Porter Jr. come in and Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Delon Wright and Marjon Beauchamp exit. I like Kevin Porter Jr.'s numbers between 2020-2023 in Houston......certainly more of a chance to give you something than Beauchamp ever would. I like getting younger and getting under the 2nd apron, keeping an open mind to see what these three can bring to the table (particularly Kuzma and Porter Jr.).

I am not sure the Bucks are a legit contender to come out of the East anymore this season, I would love to be wrong. If anything, this deadline was good for more flexibility in the offseason and going forward with Giannis entering the back half of his career.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kuzmaky01.html

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/simsje01.html

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/porteke02.html