Bucks All-Star has surgery ahead of free-agency decision

Middleton had an injury-plagued season during penultimate season of the five-year contract he signed in 2019. He's signed for just over $40 million next season, but it's a player option, so Middleton can decide to opt in before June 21, or become an unrestricted free agent.

It wasn't the season he would have wanted going into free agency. Never an iron man, Middleton played just 33 games in his potential walk year, scoring 15.1 points and shooting a rough 31.5 percent from deep. He missed 20 games after offseason wrist surgery, missed 18 more with knee soreness and dealing with an ankle sprain.

But the rough season and subsequent surgery might end up bringing Middleton and Milwaukee closer together. There's only six teams who could have as much as $30 million in cap space this summer, limiting Middleton's market, especially coming off surgery - even if Middleton said it was "nothing too crazy."

And Milwaukee has no options to replace Middleton if he leaves. The combination of Middleton's lack of free market value and the Bucks' lack of options suggest the two sides will find a middle ground between $40 million and $20 million per season and extend their partnership. It also helps Milwaukee that all the teams with cap space missed the playoffs last year.

Middleton's arthroscopic surgery should help stabilize his knee. And stabilize his long-term relationship with the Bucks.