Former Lakers Forward Kyle Kuzma Could See His Bucks Future Flip Quickly as Trade Window Opens

Kyle Kuzma may be headed toward one of the most unpredictable stretches of his career — and the countdown has already begun.

As the Milwaukee Bucks stumble through an uneven start, front office decision-makers are gearing up for the league’s Dec. 15 trade eligibility window, a date that could reshape several rosters… including Milwaukee’s. And with the Bucks in need of reinforcements, Kuzma’s name sits squarely in the conversation.

⏳ Trade Restrictions Lifting — and Pressure Rising

On Dec. 15, a large group of players signed over the summer will officially become trade-eligible. For teams like the Bucks, who currently sit at 8–11, that marks the beginning of meaningful roster discussions as they attempt to salvage a contending season around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

If Milwaukee wants to target a high-impact player, Kuzma’s contract becomes a key trade piece.

He’s earning $22.4 million this season — a sizable number for a player whose production hasn’t matched the price tag. That makes him the most logical outgoing salary if the Bucks seek a major upgrade.

📉 Kuzma’s Fit in Milwaukee Hasn’t Stuck

Kuzma arrived in Milwaukee just last year, but his long-term fit already looks shaky.

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Bucks have conducted background checks on multiple potential targets, including Zach LaVine, while Kuzma continues to appear in trade discussions — most notably with the Sacramento Kings, a team linked to him for several seasons.

While no deal is imminent, the smoke suggests fire.

Kuzma holds the third-highest salary on the Bucks, behind only Giannis and Myles Turner — two players who are not expected to be moved. That leaves Kuzma as the most movable piece with actual value.

📊 Kuzma’s Season So Far

In 18 games, Kuzma is posting:

• 13.3 points
• 4.8 rebounds
• 2.0 assists
• 26.3 minutes per game
• 48.6% FG, 28.8% 3PT

Solid numbers, but not enough to justify his contract on a team desperate to compete at the highest level.

Nothing about his current production signals that he’s indispensable — especially for a franchise seeking more reliability and firepower around its superstar.

🔮 Is Milwaukee a Short Stop for Kuzma?

Kuzma once looked like a long-term piece for the Bucks, but the urgency of maximizing the Giannis window changes everything. Milwaukee needs more impact, more consistency, and more upside — and those priorities may push Kuzma out the door sooner rather than later.

The former Laker has already bounced from Washington to Milwaukee in the last year.

A third landing spot may now be only weeks away.