Feb 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) drives for the basket in front of Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

'We Still Believe in Kyle' – Milwaukee Bucks GM Pours Cold Water on the Kyle Kuzma Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 10:22 AM ET

Milwaukee Bucks fans are wondering what’s next after the team waived and stretched Damian Lillard’s contract to sign Myles Turner via free agency, among other moves.

While many believe that Kyle Kuzma could be the next to go, Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst shut down those rumors in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.

“We still believe in Kyle,” Horst said about Kuzma. “He struggled. He hadn’t been to the playoffs in a while either. And I thought he played great for us for most of the regular season after we acquired him, and I think he struggled in the playoffs. And he would tell you that. Doc and I have already gone to L.A. to spend time with him. Doc’s gonna spend time with him again.”

Feb 12, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

“He’s a guy we believe in a lot, and I think he will have a big year with us this year, just having continuity with a good team and a full offseason with a good team, which he hasn’t had in a while. So we’re excited for him,” he added.

Milwaukee Bucks News: Jon Horst determined to give undrafted guard a contract extension

Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green is set to play his final year of his three-year, $6.3 million contract in 2025-26, so he’s now eligible to sign a new contract extension. According to Jon Horst, he has already reached out to Green and his representatives to discuss his new deal.

Nov 20, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) looks to pass the ball in the third quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

“AJ wants to be here, AJ wants to figure something out. Obviously, we’ve got to figure a deal out and we have the whole season to do it. I hope it doesn’t take that long,” Horst stated.

Green is coming off his best year in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform, averaging 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 43/43/82 shooting splits across 73 regular season games (seven starts). The Northern Iowa sharpshooter was also a key piece to the team’s NBA Cup triumph last December.