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LOOK: Isaiah Stewart Gets Flagrant 2, Points Gun At Pacers Bench 5 Dec 3, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) in the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Report: Giannis Antetokounmpo Approved Kyle Kuzma Trade, Says Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Feb 6, 2025 11:39 AM ET

Milwaukee Bucks star player Giannis Antetokounmpo may not be part of the franchise’s front office, but he certainly had a say in the trade that happened that involved longtime teammate Khris Middleton and Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards. Or at least that is what one industry insider reported recently.

As the trade deadline nears, more and more teams are making their buzzer-beater moves and finalizing blockbuster trades that would, more often than not, shock fans from both sides of the deal. While not as shocking as the Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic Deal, the Milwaukee Bucks recently traded Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards, in exchange for power forward Kyle Kuzma.

As reported by insider Jake Fischer, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had his insights and takes considered when the management finalized the trade deal. As it turned out, the Greek Freak was a fan of Kuzma and wanted to bring his style of play to the team.

“I’m told a key element of the trade talks that brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee in exchange for championship mainstay Khris Middleton: a large vote of support for Kuzma from one Giannis Antetokounmpo,” Fischer said.

Khris Middleton has been dealing with injury issues that have significantly limited his playing time recently. e underwent double ankle surgery over the summer, which caused him to miss the first 21 games of the 2024-2025 season. Since his return, Middleton has been on a minutes restriction and has been relegated to a bench role.

Kyle Kuzma is most known for his scoring ability. He has a natural instinct to put the ball in the basket and can score from all three levels: inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc. As he joining the Bucks, most fans expecthim to be built around Antetokounmpo and play to complement his style.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Bares Honest Feelings About Khris MIddleton Trade

Seemingly in contradiction to what insider reports say, Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed his honest emotions about the trade that has his friend and teammate Khris Middleton to depart the Bucks.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

“Obviously, I’ve played with Khris for twelve years, Antetokounmpo said. “I spent incredible moments with him. With Khris, it doesn’t matter how much you got better dealing with it. It’s Khris. It’s still gonna hurt you,” he continued. “Same as it hurt with Jrue [Holiday]. Same as it’s gonna hurt with Brook [Lopez]. Same as it’s gonna hurt with Pat [Connaughton]. Same as it’s gonna hurt with Bobby [Portis Jr.]. Those are my guys.”

Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo were teammates on the Milwaukee Bucks for 12 seasons. They played together from 2013 until 2025 when Middleton was traded to the Washington Wizards.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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