Khris Middleton Thanks Milwaukee Bucks For 'Unforgettable' Homecoming to Open the 2025-26 NBA Season

Khris Middleton Returns to Milwaukee In Front of a Grateful Fanbase

When the Milwaukee Bucks made the tough decision to move on from franchise legend Khris Middleton at the 2025 NBA trade deadline, fans were sad to see Giannis Antetokounmpo’s running mate depart the team after 12 long seasons.

During pregame, fans loudly applauded Middleton, and he gave Antetokounmpo a big hug before tipoff. While the Bucks won the game 133-120 behind Antetokounmpo’s 37 points and 14 rebounds, Middleton led the Wizards with 23 points on 9-14 from the floor.

Although Middleton led the team in scoring and also contributed 6 rebounds and 5 assists, his +/- of -15 was emblematic of  the gap between the two teams on the night. Milwaukee began the game with a 40-point first quarter and never looked in danger of giving up their big lead.

Khris Middleton Thanks Milwaukee Fans For “An Unforgettable Night”

The day after the game, Middleton took to Instagram to thank the city for a special welcome. The Bucks legend  included several photos in his post, including one of Antetokounmpo guarding him on the wing, one of him reuniting with Bobby Portis, and a photo of the arena’s main scoreboard displaying a tribute for him.

The Bucks posted Middleton’s message on Twitter soon after so Bucks fans would be sure to see it.

Multiple fans replied to the posts urging the team to eventually retire #22 in honor of Middleton. Antetokounmpo himself has spoken about the notion in the past, saying the team should “1000%” hang #22 in the rafters.

Middleton will face Milwaukee again on December 1st when the Bucks travel to the nation’s capital to paly the Wizards again. For now, Milwaukee will look ahead to the Toronto Raptors, whom they face on Friday.