Bucks Roster Moves, Draft Misses, and Kyle Kuzma’s New Podcast

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively working to trim their roster to 15 players. Jake Fischer shared on social media that the Bucks are exploring trade options to manage this challenge. More details came through The Stein Line about how these trades might unfold.

Bucks and Lakers Discuss Potential Trade

According to Fischer, talks have occurred between the Bucks and Lakers regarding a possible trade involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht heading to Milwaukee along with second-round draft picks in exchange for Jericho Sims. Despite the discussions, there’s some skepticism about whether this deal will actually happen.

The Lakers have shown interest in Sims for some time. In earlier trade value rankings, he was rated as an asset worth an early to mid-second-round pick, but now it appears his value is higher. Should no trade come through, the Lakers may waive Knecht before Monday’s deadline. His $4.2 million salary for 2026-27 is guaranteed because of the team’s option pickup, so waiving him would mean absorbing that cost.

Fischer also notes that Jericho Sims could be on the Philadelphia 76ers' radar following an injury to their backup center, Ariel Hukporti, who suffered an Achilles tear early in the preseason.

Other Bucks Trade Considerations

Milwaukee is also weighing moves involving Kevin Porter Jr. and Caris LeVert, alongside potential trades including Sims, to avoid having to waive contracted players. The Bucks are keen on retaining fan favorite Pete Nance and understand that waiving him risks losing him to another team instead of re-signing him on a two-way contract.

Draft Disappointments

Jon Horst’s drafting record hit another snag. Last year, Washington Wizards’ wing Kyshawn George shared on a podcast how surprised he was that the Bucks passed on him at pick 23 in 2024 despite strong workouts and positive feedback.

This year, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell told a similar story on the same podcast. Mitchell believed Milwaukee was interested during pre-draft evaluations. He noted that his sister living in Wisconsin added to the appeal. Yet, the Bucks chose AJ Johnson instead at pick 23. Horst had another chance to take Mitchell at pick 33 but selected Tyler Smith instead. Mitchell eventually went at pick 38.

Adding to the woes, Zach Lowe revealed the Bucks debated between Andrew Nembhard and MarJon Beauchamp with pick 24 in the 2022 draft, ultimately picking Beauchamp, who did not pan out.

Kyle Kuzma Launches Podcast

On a lighter note, Kyle Kuzma announced his new podcast, Read the Room. He plans to chat with founders, investors, athletes, and creators about bold decisions, pivots, and lessons learned. Whether this adds something fresh or just another voice remains to be seen.