Add The California Post on Google Kyle Kuzma got his start in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers. The small forward spent the first four seasons of his career under the bright lights of Hollywood, becoming an NBA champion in 2020.
The Lakers traded Kuzma to the Washington Wizards in August 2021 as part of a blockbuster five-team deal that brought Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles.
Kuzma’s new chapter with Washington proved beneficial for him as he received more everyday playing time and emerged as a team leader. During the 2023-24 campaign, he averaged a career-high 22.2 points with 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists with the Wizards.
Since then, his production has fallen off and he’s transitioned into more of a bench player with his current team, the Milwaukee Bucks.
The organization has been a frequent topic in the latest sports headlines as the Bucks are expected to trade Antetokounmpo before Tuesday’s NBA draft. The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are the reported favorites to land the superstar.
According to NBA insider Bill Simmons, Kuzma is expected to be included in the deal for Antetokounmpo as a sort of “Giannis tax.”
Kuzma took offense to Simmons’ remarks on his podcast and clapped back on social media.
“Since when is a 6’9 wing who plays any role you ask, guards 1-5, shot almost 50% from the field and cares about defense a ‘throw-in’? lol,” Kuzma wrote in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Since when is a 6’9 wing who plays any role you ask, guards 1–5, shot almost 50% from the field and cares about defense a ‘throw‑in’? lol https://t.co/11Jd5D54Vu
While Antetokounmpo is expected to be dealt soon, the details of the trade haven’t been revealed. It’s uncertain whether Kuzma will be involved in the blockbuster deal, but he’s coming off a year where he average 13 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
If Kuzma does leave Milwaukee as part of the Giannis trade, he will likely have a limited role with a new team.
