The Milwaukee Bucks have been looking for ways to upgrade their roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Washington Wizards have several veterans available for trade ahead of Thursday’s deadline. That makes the two teams potential trade partners.
The Bucks and Wizards have discussed deals that would send Khris Middleton and draft capital to Washington, while Kyle Kuzma would head to Milwaukee. The Wizards would essentially take on the difference in Middleton’s and Kuzma’s salaries in exchange for adding draft assets. The Bucks would create flexibility under the second apron by adding Kuzma in place of Middleton.
Middleton has two years left on his contract. He makes $31.7 million this season, followed by a $34 million player option for next season. Middleton is highly likely to pick up that option.
Kuzma has three years left on his contract. He’s at $23.5 million this season, before declining to $21.5 million and $19.4 million over the final two seasons of his deal.