Khris Middleton will receive a big contract after this coming NBA season.
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks is in a different situation from Barnes and Russell, in that he has a player option after this coming season. Middleton has opted out of the final year of his contract before, but that was in order to renegotiate his deal with the Bucks and get more money to stick with them for the long term.
That paid off as it resulted in a championship, and all indications are that Middleton and the Bucks are happy to continue their partnership. There are few players in the league comfortable enough to play second fiddle next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but also step up and close out games while defending elite scorers as well. That is priceless to a contending Bucks franchise.
Yet an interview done earlier this year that has gone under the radar seems to allude to Middleton pulling the exit door open ever so slightly, so as to take a peer at the rest of the league and what else could be available. Middleton is in his prime at 31, and if he were suddenly available would have a ton of interest. Assuming his nagging injuries don’t continue to persist.
Quite who could afford to pay Middleton is another issue, but if he became available several teams would even more on from players if it meant getting him. He is that perfect co-star, who may not be the coolest or most exciting name out there, but who has no problem playing next to a superstar and doing whatever is needed to win. He’d likely be an All-Star again while doing it.
Middleton would raise the floor of young teams, and help a number of contenders over the top. That is worthy of big, big money. The thing is, the Bucks know this and have never shown an inkling of an indication that they’re willing to give that up.
So the smart choice here is Middleton indeed getting another hefty bag, but getting it from the Bucks.