The Milwaukee Bucks were unwilling to include their 2031 first round pick in trade talks at the deadline, sources tell ESPN. The Bucks do not control any of their upcoming first round picks until 2031.
The Bucks inquired about trading for several former All-Stars leading to the deadline, including Zach LaVine.
Milwaukee instead acquired Kyle Kuzma from the Washington Wizards while agreeing to swap first round picks in 2028 along with Khris Middleton and AJ Johnson.
Milwaukee has just four players signed to guaranteed contracts in 25-26: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Kuzma and Tyler Smith.