The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes may not only determine where the two-time MVP plays next season, but also where Kyle Kuzma ends up. According to Bill Simmons and Jake L Fischer, Kuzma is increasingly expected to be included in any blockbuster Giannis trade as the Milwaukee Bucks look to reshape their roster and clean up their salary structure.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that Milwaukee is exploring ways to move both Kuzma and Bobby Portis as part of a larger Antetokounmpo deal. Bill Simmons later added another interesting layer, describing Kuzma as a potential ‘tax’ that teams might have to absorb in order to acquire Giannis.
That creates an intriguing wrinkle in what is already shaping up to be the biggest trade saga of the offseason.
The Bucks are reportedly seeking three key assets in any Giannis trade package: draft capital, young players on controllable contracts, and win-now talent. Teams such as the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have emerged as the primary contenders, but Milwaukee is also attempting to use the opportunity to reset other parts of its roster.
Kuzma’s contract makes him one of the most logical pieces to move.
The 30-year-old forward is entering the final season of his deal and will earn approximately $20.3 million in 2026-27. As a sizable expiring contract, he helps teams match salaries in a massive blockbuster while simultaneously allowing Milwaukee to clear future financial obligations.
From the Bucks’ perspective, it makes sense.
Milwaukee appears headed toward a major organizational reset if Giannis is ultimately moved. While the franchise would receive a significant return package, removing additional veteran salaries such as Kuzma and Portis could accelerate the transition and create greater roster flexibility moving forward.
Kuzma’s production also declined significantly after arriving in Milwaukee.
After developing into a reliable 20-point-per-game scorer with the Washington Wizards, Kuzma averaged just 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 69 games with the Bucks this past season. While he shot a career-best 49.2% from the field, his overall impact fell short of expectations on a team that desperately needed secondary scoring around Antetokounmpo.
The fit never fully materialized. Milwaukee struggled throughout the season, finishing 32-50 and missing the playoffs. Even though Giannis remained productive when available, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, the roster around him consistently looked flawed.
That is why the Bucks now appear willing to move multiple veterans as part of a larger reconstruction.
For teams pursuing Giannis, however, taking on Kuzma’s contract could complicate negotiations.
The Miami Heat are still viewed by many insiders as the frontrunners because they satisfy Milwaukee’s reported demands. A package centered around Tyler Herro, young players such as Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr., plus draft compensation checks all three boxes the Bucks reportedly want.
The Boston Celtics remain firmly in the conversation as well. Milwaukee is believed to want Jaylen Brown, young assets, and three first-round picks if a deal with Boston becomes serious.
Adding Kuzma’s contract to either framework increases the complexity. Still, if the prize is Giannis Antetokounmpo, teams may be willing to accept the additional salary burden.
That is ultimately why Kuzma’s name keeps surfacing. He may not be the centerpiece of any blockbuster, but he could become one of the most important secondary pieces in the entire process. As Milwaukee prepares for what many expect to be a franchise-altering trade, Kuzma increasingly looks like a player whose future will be tied directly to wherever Giannis ends up next.
