The Milwaukee Bucks have had a roller coaster season thus far, with them starting just 2-8 but having since rebounded and now being fifth in the Eastern Conference. Even so, they are still far from where they want to be, with them well behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks in the East standings.
With the Bucks having limited assets, they have sought to shake things up internally by benching former All-Star Khris Middleton. Middleton hasn't been as impactful as he once was, with him previously being the second-best player on the team before injuries and the arrival of Damian Lillard.
Sources: Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton is returning for tonight’s game against San Antonio Spurs and will come off the bench as the team tries to find continuity in starting lineup. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/CgKOD5Oo4e
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 8, 2025
Middleton being benched could be the precursor for a big trade. Middleton's benching and the Bucks rumored interest in Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler could potentially signal a trade.
Some of the rumbling I have heard are that Memphis and Milwaukee are teams having ongoing discussions about a trade for Jimmy Butler. Miami weighing if it is better to trade him now or in offseason via sign and trade.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025
If Milwaukee's interest in Butler is indeed true, the Bucks would have to part with Middleton in a deal for Butler, with other players such as Brook Lopez potentially being included in the trade as well. That would be an impactful deal for Milwaukee and give the Bucks a big three of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Butler.
The Milwaukee Bucks trading Khris Middleton for Jimmy Butler would make them contenders.
Moving on from Middleton, who has been with the Bucks for his entire 11-year career, would be difficult. However, he has had trouble staying healthy since their 2021 championship run, with him having had surgeries on both of his ankles during the summer and playing in just 13 games this season.
He's averaged just 12.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, making him far more expendable than before. Despite not having Middleton around consistently, the Bucks went on to win the NBA Cup championship, suggesting that they don't need to rely on him going forward.
Whether Butler would want to play in Milwaukee or whether he would re-sign there in the summer is a big question mark. So is whether it would be worth it to the Bucks, who would have to part with Middleton, Lopez, and the last of their first-round picks to potentially make it happen.
Nevertheless, Middleton's benching suggests that they will rely on him less going forward, and that may make the chances of a trade more likely. With the Bucks currently well behind the Cavs, Celtics, and Knicks, they will need to find a way to bridge the gap, and that could mean a big trade in the near future.