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AJ Johnson Rumors
The Wizards, in the early stages of a rebuild, were happy to take Middleton’s contract in the swap, but that wasn’t the prize. That would be guard AJ Johnson, a 2024 first-round pick who fits the organization’s timetable. Washington also acquired a 2028 first-round pick swap. Another benefit for Washington: Middleton’s deal expires after next season while Kuzma’s runs through 2027, bringing the Wizards closer to having cap space. That desire for financial flexibility also prompted the move for McCollum, which a person with knowledge of the deal described as the next phase of the Bradley Beal trade.
Chase Hughes: Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson III and Will Riley are all OUT tonight against the Sixers, per the team. Johnson III is out with right hamstring tightness, Riley with left thumb soreness. They're day-to-day. Starters: AJ Johnson, Leaky Black, Dillon Jones, Jamir Watkins, Liam Robbins
But if Antetokounmpo and Dame Lillard stay healthy and play like the stars they are, Middleton wouldn’t have had to carry the load and simply been a nice, complementary cog for a team that hopes to make a deep playoff run. A source close to the Wizards told me that, while they were excited to acquire Middleton, they were almost giddy about acquiring AJ Johnson from the Bucks. The Bucks chose Johnson with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 draft, but I’m told some player personnel officials in the Wizards organization regarded Johnson as a late lottery selection, or a top 14 pick.
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Wizards plan for now is to hold onto Khris Middleton
Chris Mannix: Wizards plan, for now, is to hold on to Khris Middleton, who played with Malcolm Brogdon in Milwaukee. Move gives Washington a little financial flexibility and frees up even more playing time/responsibility for its young wings. Plus they can take a flyer on AJ Johnson.
Yossi Gozlan: The Milwaukee Bucks generate over $29 million in savings by trading Khris Middleton and AJ Johnson for Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr. Per @BobbyMarks42 , Kuzma will reduce his trade bonus, allowing the Bucks to get below the second apron.
Chris Hayness: Sources: Milwaukee gets under the second apron with this move. Patrick Baldwin Jr. also going to Milwaukee and rookie AJ Johnson is headed to Washington. The Wizards will receive 2028 first round soft swap and Bucks get a second round most favorable in 2025.
Bobby Marks: Milwaukee drops below the second apron with the trade. Washington adds AJ Johnson, the 23rd pick in the 2024 Draft. Johnson turned 20-years old in December. The Wizards now have a valuable first round pick swap with Milwaukee in 2028.
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Bobby Marks: Contract details of the Milwaukee/Washington trade: To Milwaukee Kyle Kuzma: $23.5M, $21.5M, $19.4M *⃣$3M in unlikely bonuses that count toward the apron Patrick Baldwin: $2.5M, UFA To Washington Khris Middleton: $31.7M, $34M (Player) *⃣$2.3M in unlikely bonuses that count toward the apron AJ Johnson: $2.8M, $3.1M, $3.2M, $5.5M
Chris Haynes: Sources: Milwaukee gets under the second apron with this move. Patrick Baldwin Jr. also going to Milwaukee and rookie AJ Johnson is headed to Washington. The Wizards will receive 2028 first round soft swap and Bucks get a second round most favorable in 2025.
Patrick Baldwin, AJ Johnson involved in potential trade between Bucks and Wizards
Josh Robbins: The Wizards and Bucks have continued to discuss a potential trade centered around sending Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin Jr. to Milwaukee for Khris Middleton and rookie AJ Johnson, and including some exchange of a draft pick or picks, league sources tell @davidaldridgedc and me.
Eric Nehm: FINAL: Thunder 125, Bucks 96 - Rollins 16pts - Johnson 13pts/4reb/4ast - Smith 12pts/7reb/3ast - Trent 10pts - Livingston 10pts/6reb - Jackson 10pts/4reb/2ast The Bucks are now 26-22 on the season. They play next in Charlotte on Wednesday.
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