Quote Originally Posted by mufan2003 View Post
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/b...nning-veteran/

https://www.basketball-reference.com...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.