Last night, it felt as though the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga was wrapping up once and for all, with the Boston Celtics coming up just short. However, in day infinity of the saga, nothing has been resolved, and in fact, things have gotten quiet. The most recent development is that any taker for the Greek Freak must take Kyle Kuzma as part of the deluxe package.
That came from Bill Simmons, who revealed in his latest podcast with Zach Lowe (which is only available on Netflix until further notice) that Kuzma is the "Giannis tax" for anyone who wants him. He also reiterated his belief that Antetokounmpo will be in Boston.
Agreed, that was interesting. Here’s that full quote as well: https://t.co/0pOhTUYryx pic.twitter.com/qOYmugYsM8
— Dale🏌️♂️ (@CelticsDale) June 21, 2026
The Bucks want as clean a slate as possible, which means cutting ties with players who are no longer necessary on the roster. Kuzma was a cost-cutting move for Milwaukee, though they hoped he would salvage what was left of their playoff hopes in 2025. Said hopes were dashed entirely once Dame went down.
Anyway, the Bucks clearly see the writing on the wall and want to clean house as much as possible when they trade Antetokounmpo. Boston potentially adding more players in the deal has been brought up before, though that was with Myles Turner, not Kuzma.
Anyway, Kuzma may be overpaid for his services, but he is on an expiring contract, so it's not like it would hurt their long-term flexibility. Boston can also acquire him via sign-and-trade or by using the $27.7 million Anfernee Simons TPE.
That's why, warts and all, if that's the last piece of the Giannis puzzle, Boston should pounce ASAP.
Kuzma is worth it if the end game is Giannis
Boston actually has plenty of wing depth as is, so really, there's no need for Kuzma from a roster perspective. However, as long as Antetokounmpo is on the roster, they can stomach having Kuzma on the roster for one year as long as they get what's left of Giannis' prime.
Because his deal is expiring, it's very possible Boston could re-route him elsewhere for someone else who could help them, even if they would be overpaid. Even if they don't, Kuzma has experience playing a vital role on a championship team, as he was very much a factor in the Los Angeles Lakers winning the title in 2020.
He's never exactly been the best fit with the teams he's played for, but he is a champion who has made it work with the right team. Either Kuzma becomes a team-friendly contract to dangle, becomes a valued role player, or is simply a one-year rental.
Because Giannis alone is worth a flyer, absorbing Kuzma would be worth it.
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