5 most imperative signings in 2019 NBA free agency

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3. Bucks opt to retain Middleton – 5-year, $178 million

The Milwaukee Bucks finished with the best record in the league in 2018-19. Not only that, but Milwaukee was also a top-five team in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Sure, a lot of the team’s success had to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo turning in an MVP season.

Another factor that contributed to the Bucks having a good year was the play of Khris Middleton.

While his scoring dipped a bit from 20.1 points per outing in 2017-18 to 18.3 points per contest last season, Middleton did post career highs in rebounding (6.0) and assists (4.3).

Moreover, Middleton shot better than 35 percent from 3-point range for the sixth consecutive season, easily making him the second-best player on Milwaukee’s roster behind Antetokounmpo.

Once free agency opens at 6 PM, All-Star Khris Middleton plans to return to the Milwaukee Bucks on a five-year, $178M contract, league sources tell ESPN. The deal is expected to include a player option on final year.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019

Can the five-year, $178 million deal be viewed as somewhat of an overpayment? Sure. However, it was a price the Bucks had to pay to help keep them in contention for the top spot in the conference playoff race next season.