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A full guide to the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2022 offseason

By Jake Weinbach

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks receives high fives from Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bobby Portis #9 after a fast break dunk during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks receives high fives from Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bobby Portis #9 after a fast break dunk during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on December 10, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 8, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) smiles from the bench with guard Jrue Holiday (21) during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Guide to the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2022 offseason: Khris Middleton’s extension

This offseason, Khris Middleton will be eligible for a contract extension. The three-time All-Star will be entering his 11th season in the league and his10th with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Middleton will be approaching the last two years of his five-year, $177.5 million deal, earning $37.9 million next season, and will face a $40.3 million player option for the 2023-24 season when he’s 32 years old. The NBA Champion has been an integral part of Milwaukee’s success over the last couple of years, and the Bucks have rewarded him for it.

Now, there’s a chance that the Bucks can reward him again this summer and extend his stay as the franchise has its eyes set on competing for championships for years to come. With Middleton being extension eligible, what could an extension look like, though?

Khris Middleton could be extended for up to four more years and would start at $40.3 million or above in 2023 and likely trend downward each year if he decides to trigger his 2023-24 player option. If he’s prepared to decline the option, which seems unlikely, then Middleton and the Bucks could negotiate a whole new contract beyond the 2022-23 season.

Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game on 44.3/37.3/89.0 shooting splits this season before an MCL tear in his knee caused him to miss the remainder of the Bucks’ playoff journey. Milwaukee clearly missed Middleton’s offensive shot-making and playmaking, as well as his defensive versatility on the wing in the series loss against Boston.

He’s getting older and possibly more injury prone as time goes on, but Middleton has averaged more than 20 points per game on efficient shooting during the last three seasons. There’s no rush, and it might even be better to wait until he’s back on the court, but the Milwaukee Bucks should feel determined to lock in Khris Middleton for the long-term by extending his contract as soon as this offseason.

Next. Top 3 landing spots for Zach LaVine this offseason. dark

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