{"id":275373,"date":"2025-09-09T22:11:10","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T22:11:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/275373\/"},"modified":"2025-09-09T22:11:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T22:11:10","slug":"bucks-forward-kyle-kuzma-labeled-trade-candidate-by-nba-writer-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/275373\/","title":{"rendered":"Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma labeled trade candidate by NBA writer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma labeled trade candidate by NBA writer<\/a> originally appeared on The Sporting News<\/a><\/p>\n

The Milwaukee Bucks have had a hectic offseason in an attempt to show franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo that they are still in win-now mode.<\/p>\n

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Following Damian Lillard’s torn Achilles in the team’s third consecutive first-round playoff exit, Milwaukee waived and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract. This move freed up the necessary cap space to sign former Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner to a four-year, $108.9 million contract. The club was also active in re-signing role players from the 2024-25 campaign while adding a few new contributors in free agency.<\/p>\n

Still, a big swing from last season may continue to haunt Bucks fans. The team traded Khris Middleton, 2024 first-round pick AJ Johnson and a first-round pick swap for a package centered around Kyle Kuzma. However, the 30-year-old forward had a negative impact in the postseason, and there are certainly questions surrounding his fit alongside Antetokounmpo.<\/p>\n

MORE:\u00a0Thanasis Antetokounmpo reveals reason for re-signing with Bucks<\/a><\/p>\n

Kyle Kuzma trade questions linger<\/p>\n

Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports believes Kuzma’s fit on the Bucks is questionable, and he could be a trade candidate if his playoff struggles carry over into the 2025-26 campaign.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIn the second half of the season, the 30-year-old forward played a key role for the Bucks, though he did struggle at times and his fit alongside Giannis is in question,\u201d he wrote<\/a>. \u201cBecause of this, Kuzma may once again be on the trade block entering this season as Milwaukee could look to move him to land a player more fit for their lineup.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kuzma averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 33.3 percent from beyond the arc across 31.8 minutes per game in 33 regular-season appearances with Milwaukee last season. The former first-round pick was even more underwhelming in the postseason, averaging 5.8 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 34.3 percent from the field in 20.6 minutes per contest.<\/p>\n

Considering the assets Milwaukee gave up to acquire him, Kuzma has fallen short of expectations. However, a new role off the bench as a sparkplug could help Kuzma regain his rhythm.<\/p>\n

Whether he returns to the starting lineup is uncertain, but if he continues to struggle alongside Antetokounmpo, the Bucks may look to move on.<\/p>\n

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