Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to team up with a new cohort in Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will soon be playing alongside a new teammate in Milwaukee. According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday, the Milwaukee Bucks have orchestrated a trade sending Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards. In return, the Bucks will receive Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft pick compensation.
Middleton has been with the Bucks for the past 12 seasons and played a pivotal role during their 2020-21 NBA championship campaign. This season, over 23 games, he has scored an average of 12.6 points per game with a 51.2% shooting accuracy from the field—his lowest scoring average since the 2013-14 season, which was his second year in the NBA.
The Bucks plan to pair Antetokounmpo with Kuzma, who has been with the Washington Wizards for the last four seasons. Kuzma has played 32 games this season, averaging 15.2 points per game, shooting 42% from the field, and making just 28.1% of his attempts from three-point range.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that Antetokounmpo strongly supported the decision to acquire Kuzma, who is signed through the 2026-27 season. On the other hand, Middleton has a $34 million player option for the 2025-26 season. If he decides to use that option, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Following the trade, the Bucks find themselves about $300,000 below the luxury tax threshold known as the second apron.
Johnson, who was the 23rd pick by Milwaukee in the 2024 NBA draft, has only played seven games this season, scoring a total of 20 points. He is currently averaging 13.7 points and 4.8 assists over 10 games with the G League’s Wisconsin Herd.
Baldwin, initially a first-round pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2022, has already been traded twice early in his career. This season, he has averaged 2.1 points in 4.6 minutes per game over 22 games for Washington.
The NBA trade deadline is approaching fast, set for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
More of the Latest Around the NBA
The NBA scene continues to buzz with more updates and trade news as the deadline looms.
Similar Posts
- Khris Middleton’s Heartfelt Farewell to Milwaukee and Bucks After 12 Seasons
- Golden State Valkyries Pick Kate Martin in Top 11 WNBA Expansion Draft Choices!
- Cooper Flagg Shines: Projected NBA Draft Top Pick Displays Stellar Athleticism and Maturity!
- Commanders Allow Pro Bowl Star Jonathan Allen to Seek Trade – Find Out Why!
- Lakers Ready to Trade Three First-Round Picks! Who’s on Their Radar?
Jordan Harper brings the world of sports to life with passionate storytelling and insightful analysis. From local matches to international tournaments, Jordan captures the spirit of competition in every piece.
