If the Milwaukee Bucks want to return to the NBA Finals, they may have to add some championship-level players to their roster. Among the options out there is Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma as a potential trade target for the team.
Kuzma first entered the league as the Los Angeles Lakers’ 27th pick in the 2017 Draft. During that period, the Purple and Gold saw the late Kobe Bryant retire and a youth movement start with the young forward part of it. During his first year in the league, the rookie posted averages of 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
During the 2019-20 season, the NBA was suddenly halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown that followed after. The league then resumed on a limited basis inside the Bubble in Orlando with the Lakers emerging as champions during that period. As a result, Kuzma won his first ring at just 24 years old.
In 2021, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook. From there, the forward established himself as a talented scorer for a team that hasn’t really competed in the past few years. This season, though, Kuzma enjoyed the best numbers of his career by notching 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.
Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Among Milwaukee Bucks’ Trade Targets This Offseason
Kuzma certainly has come far since his first year in the league and is now one of the best players in his position. As such, the Bucks may stand to benefit with him in the roster with the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, if a trade proposal by Cem Yolbulan for Behind the Buck Pass is to be believed.
“Kuzma isn’t the defensive stalwart Wiggins or Caruso is but he has impressive versatility. He can shoot, score, pass, and defend all at a respectable level. He doesn’t have too many weaknesses in his game.
Plus, the 28-year-old forward has proven that he can fit next to superstars. He is the type of player who plays better when his role is reduced. He previously played a critical role on the Lakers’ 2020 championship team next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He could replicate that in Milwaukee as a fourth or fifth option on the team.
Kuzma is presumably cheaper than the previous names mentioned on this list. The Wizards are in the midst of a rebuild and they would likely part ways with Kuzma for a first-round pick. The Bucks should seriously consider him as an option,” Yolbulan wrote.
As compared to other stars in the market, Kuzma won’t cost Milwaukee an arm and a leg. In return, he can provide sufficient defense while handing out impressive offense on the other end of the court.
It remains to be seen whether the Bucks will pursue Kuzma or not in the coming months. Nevertheless, he offers a lot of bang for the buck if Milwaukee indeed gets him for next season.
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