Bucks Trade Middleton, Johnson to Wizards for Kuzma, Baldwin Jr.; Team Drops Below Second Apron

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to trade three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, rookie AJ Johnson (the 23rd pick in the 2024 Draft), and a pick swap to the Washington Wizards in exchange for forward Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and second-round draft compensation. The trade allows the Bucks to get under the NBA's second apron, providing them with more financial flexibility and the ability to aggregate salaries in future trades. Kyle Kuzma reduced a portion of his trade bonus to facilitate the move and will join Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard in Milwaukee, with Antetokounmpo supporting the acquisition. The Wizards receive Middleton, who has a player option for the next season, along with Johnson. The deal includes a valuable first-round pick swap for the Wizards in 2028.