With Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks have a chance to succeed. Sometimes, in order to take advantage of an opportunity to succeed, competitive teams need to exchange familiar players for better ones. One suggestion is that the Bucks could do this by trading Khris Middleton.
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz explained why it might be the right time for the Bucks to part ways with Middleton.
“Injuries have affected Khris Middleton in the last few seasons. A recent All-Star in 2021-22, the 32-year-old has only played a total of 76 games in the past two seasons, averaging a modest 14.9 points with a 34.9 percent three-point shooting,” as stated by Swartz in a story on March 18.
The Bucks are lacking in resources at the moment due to previous trades. That's why Swartz believes that trading Middleton is their best option to make an impact in the Eastern Conference.
“Letting go of Middleton may be necessary to catch up with the Boston Celtics in the East, by sending him and picks to another team in exchange for an upgrade in the wing position.”
Middleton is in the first year of a three-year, $93 million contract. His injury history, as Swartz mentioned, might diminish his trade value if the Bucks try to trade him.
Khris Middleton Discusses Recovery from Injury
After missing 16 games, Middleton played against the Phoenix Suns on March 17. When the Bucks allowed him to play, Middleton talked about the frustrating process of recovery.
“I now feel sufficiently good to play,” Middleton informed reporters, according to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm. “Having sat out for so long has been frustrating, but with the level of ankle sprain I had, recovery just takes time. Sometimes it takes longer than usual, but I'm happy to be back.”
He also mentioned the biggest challenge for him during his recovery from the ankle sprain.
“When dealing with injuries and returning, you have control over a lot during your movements and rehabilitation, but when entering games, particularly on defense, it becomes more reactive,” Middleton stated. “I was unable to react the way I wanted to in terms of movement — defending pick-and-rolls, defending players off the dribble — without the necessary comfort to play. This was the final challenge I was trying to overcome.”
Middleton scored 22 points while making eight out of 15 shots from the field and providing seven assists.
Khris Middleton Described as ‘Crucial’ to Bucks' Chances
Following Middleton’s performance, former NBA wing Chandler Parsons explained the crucial role he plays in the Bucks' potential to win a championship.
“[Middleton] is crucial. He was instrumental in [Milwaukee’s] championship win before, and he still is now,” Parsons stated on the March 18 episode of Run It Back. “This was the first time I’ve seen him almost completely healthy, fresh, and getting to his preferred positions. Looking as he did a couple of years ago, so it’s a great advantage to have. He was their go-to player when they won a championship. The ball was in his hands. He was the one to get a bucket, and now he’s returning to his previous form. Like hitting stepbacks, posting up against smaller opponents. It’s an additional dimension that they have.”
