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The Washington Wizards have reportedly traded Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and a draft pick to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday (February 5), one day prior to the NBA Trade Deadline.
"Breaking: The Milwaukee Bucks are trading Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr. and second-round draft compensation, sources tell ESPN," Charania wrote on his X account.
The reported trade will pair Kuzma, 29, who an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, but hasn't appeared in a postseason game since 2021, with two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard. Kuzma reportedly reduced his trade kicker in an effort to help the Bucks with flexibility to make additional roster moves, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.
"To help Milwaukee build out their roster now and in the future, Kyle Kuzma is reducing a portion of the trade bonus in his contract, sources tell ESPN. The reduced trade bonus allows Milwaukee to remain below the second apron. Kuzma won a championship with the Lakers in 2020," Marks wrote on his X account.
Kuzma is currently averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 32 games during the 2024-25 NBA season. The Bucks are currenty fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, 26 games ahead of the last-place Wizards.