All signs point to the Milwaukee Bucks and small forward Khris Middleton agreeing to a new contract once free agency starts on June 30, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Middleton and Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo are very close. The former declined his 2023-24 player option with Milwaukee worth $40 million.
“Sacramento going after Bucks All-Star guard Khris Middleton has been a popular theory floated by league figures, but all signs are pointing to Milwaukee and Middleton finalizing a new agreement once free agency begins Friday after Middleton declined his 2023-24 player option last week,” Fischer wrote.
Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists this past season while shooting 43.6% from the field, 31.5% from beyond the arc, and 90.2% from the free-throw line. He only appeared in 33 games. The veteran underwent successful surgery on his right knee shortly after the 2023 NBA playoffs, according to Shams Charania and Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
The Bucks hired Adrian Griffin as their new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer. Middleton and Antetokounmpo met with Griffin during the interview process.
Middleton could sign a four-year, $130 million contract with the Bucks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Milwaukee values the swingman and doesn’t want to risk losing him by offering him a cheap deal.
“NBA executives across the league who spoke with HoopsHype expect the Milwaukee Bucks to retain Khris Middleton this summer,” Scotto wrote. “Those executives project Middleton to command a four-year, $130 million contract from Milwaukee should he decline his $40.4 million player option for the upcoming season and enter unrestricted free agency.”
The Bucks, who won the 2021 title over the Phoenix Suns, lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. The team should be hungry next season after getting bounced in the first round.
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