Bucks could pursue 17.2 PPG scorer amid Kyle Kuzma trade rumors

Joe Mayo

Bucks could pursue 17.2 PPG scorer amid Kyle Kuzma trade rumors image

The Milwaukee Bucks have already had a busy offseason, and they may not be done making moves just yet. 

Rumors continue to swirl about a possible Kyle Kuzma trade this offseason. The Bucks landed Kuzma ahead of the 2024-25 trade deadline, sending the Washington Wizards Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson and a first-round pick swap. However, Kuzma was disappointing in the postseason, prompting questions about his future in Milwaukee. 

The Sacramento Kings have reportedly held interest in Kuzma in the past, and he could emerge as their next target if they’re unable to land Jonathan Kuminga, according to Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon of the Game Theory Podcast. They suggested the Kings could pivot to a deal involving Kuzma and Malik Monk, which would require fewer assets than a move for Kuminga. 

“If you’re the Milwaukee Bucks, you do that in a heartbeat,” they said. 

MORE: Bucks move on from Kyle Kuzma in blockbuster three-team mock trade

Monk averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 0.9 steals across 31.6 minutes per game in 2024-25 — all career highs. The Bucks are still in need of more backcourt help, and Monk could be a strong fit. 

While Milwaukee re-signed Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr. and Ryan Rollins this summer, adding a proven scorer like Monk would shore up their guard depth as they look to make a deep postseason run with Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly acquired big man Myles Turner. 

If the Kings fail to acquire Kuminga, Kuzma would likely be a strong fallback option as they try to bolster a roster that features Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

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Joe Mayo

Joe Mayo is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2024. He’s also a contributor at RotoWire. While Joe primarily writes about the NBA, he also covers the WNBA and MLB.