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.