Khris Middleton: 5 years, $178 million (Milwaukee Bucks)
Free agent Khris Middleton has agreed to a five-year, $178M deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, Excel Sports agent Mike Lindeman tells ESPN. Deal includes a player option.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019
While this five-year, $178 million agreement represents the largest contract for a second round pick in NBA history, Khris Middleton actually took slightly less than the max to help the Milwaukee Bucks out. With Brook Lopez and George Hill set to return, that’s a helpful gesture that shows a lot about Middleton’s — and the front office’s — commitment to competing for titles.
Losing Malcolm Brogdon hurts, but the Bucks will be one of the best teams in the East again next season. While reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is obviously the driving force, Middleton’s two-way contributions should not be overlooked.
In addition to being a stout defender, Middleton posted 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while canning 37.8 percent of his 6.3 3-pointers per game. He’s a dynamo from the mid-range and helps take some of the scoring burden off the Greek Freak.
Middleton will only turn 28 in August, and though a massive contract like this will come with luxury tax implications down the line, the Bucks are right to take that plunge now, while they still have a franchise phenom in place and the chance to chase championships. You can bet Middleton will be a big part of it if they ever break through.
Grade: B+