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Doc Rivers Had Intriguing Admission About Kyle Kuzma Trade With Wizards

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kurt Dama | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 12:13 AM ET

Doc Rivers admitted that the massive trade involving Kyle Kuzma and Khris Middleton took some time because the Milwaukee Bucks hesitated to send 20-year-old guard AJ Johnson to the Washington Wizards.

Speaking with the media, Rivers said the Bucks wanted to keep Johnson on the roster, given his limitless potential.

“I love him…I think he’s gonna be an incredible player. He’s an incredible kid, he works hard. He’s not far away,” Rivers said.

Johnson was considered one of the top guards of his class. His solid slashing and reliable outside shooting prompted analysts to place him among the top upcoming combo guards in the nation.

In April 2023, he decommitted from the University of Texas and announced his intention to sign with the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia, joining LaMelo Ball.

The California native was the Bucks’ 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has spent most of his time in the G League in his rookie year.

Doc Rivers says the AJ Johnson-Wizards trade “took a minute” because of how hard Milwaukee was trying to keep him.

“I love him…I think he’s gonna be an incredible player. He’s an incredible kid, he works hard. He’s not far away.”

Very strong testimonial pic.twitter.com/2zGK3q8Qt6
— Bijan Todd (@bijan_todd) February 22, 2025

In 15 games with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate, Johnson averaged 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

In his first game with the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ G League affiliate, Johnson dropped 25 points on 6-of-17 shooting from the field and 5-of-11 from deep, including six assists.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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