The Sacramento Kings are considered a “surprising landing spot” for Milwaukee Bucks star small forward Khris Middleton. In a May 24 article called “Surprise Landing Spots for Top 2023 NBA Free Agents,” Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report listed the Kings as a potential landing spot for Middleton, who is a three-time All-Star and one-time NBA champion.
“Sacramento is very much on the rise after reaching the postseason for the first time since Middleton was in middle school and could have an opening at small forward should Harrison Barnes leave in free agency,” Swartz wrote. “Middleton would be an upgrade over Barnes, as he’s the superior three-level scorer, ball-handler, passer and defender who brings 74 games of playoff experience to a young Kings team.”
Middleton can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2023-24 player option with the Bucks worth $40.4 million. Swartz thinks the Kings could make some serious noise in the Western Conference next season with Middleton next to De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray, Domantas Sabonis, and Malik Monk.
Sacramento made the playoffs this season for the first time since 2006.
“While Sacramento only has a projected $21.6 million in cap space, finding a team to take on Richaun Holmes’ $12.4 million contract would bump the Kings back into a desirable range for Middleton’s next contract,” Swartz wrote. “Plugging Middleton into a starting lineup with De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis would make this one of the very best teams in the West.”
Middleton, 31, averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season while shooting 31.5% from beyond the arc. He only appeared in 33 games due to injuries, but the veteran is expected to be 100% healthy next season.
Bucks superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo loves playing with Middleton. It will certainly be interesting to see if Middleton re-signs with the Bucks or takes his talents elsewhere.
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