Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton’s future should be in Milwaukee

Khris Middleton will have plenty of options come free agency. However, the Milwaukee Bucks are poised for success, and Middleton is a large part of the reason why.

As the Milwaukee Bucks continue to improve, so does Khris Middleton.

Middleton has had a somewhat meteoric rise to fame and prominence over the last few seasons. From making his way to Milwaukee as trade filler in the Brandon Jennings/Brandon Knight trade, to hitting a buzzer-beater against the Celtics in Game One of the 2018 playoffs, Middleton has exceeded all expectations and is on the verge of becoming a star.

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Middleton is the Robin to Giannis Antetotkounmpo’s Batman; a shooter who can create his own shot, but does not always need the ball in his hands to be effective.

Middleton is also a versatile defender. Standing at 6’ 8’’ tall, he can essentially guard one through four. He has quick feet when placed into those larger matchups and the wingspan to block shots and swipe the ball away.

Of course, the former Texas A&M standout is a well known threat from deep too; a much needed asset in the modern NBA. Similar to Milwaukee Bucks’ legends Ray Allen and Michael Redd, Middleton is a knockdown shooter in the clutch.

Middleton nearly hit a game-winning corner three against the Phoenix Suns on November 24, but time had already expired when the ball left his fingers. Proving his appetite and ability when it comes to the big shots, just five days later he sealed a win against the Chicago Bulls with a go-ahead triple in the closing seconds.

Under head coach Mike Budenholzer’s let-it-fly offense, Middleton is thriving. He is averaging the kind of numbers guaranteed to put him in the All-Star conversation, with 19 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals.

Middleton would be a valuable asset on any team; which is perhaps why murmurs have already begun about the other NBA teams who are interested in signing him.

According to a recent profile of Middleton from Sean Deveney of Sporting News:

"“There will be opportunities to explore — both the Lakers and Clippers, sources say, will have interest in Middleton, and he’ll have options with rebuilding teams such as New York, Dallas, and Cleveland.”"

Clearly, Middleton could become the primary scoring option on almost any team, or at the very least take on a similar complementary role elsewhere.

There’s no reason to believe that Middleton isn’t right at home in Milwaukee, though.

Middleton is a low key, low maintenance player, and drama has never really factored into any conversation surrounding him; he seemingly keeps to himself.

For that reason, it would be a mistake to simply assume the bright lights of New York and Los Angeles would entice Middleton, particularly when Milwaukee provides him the chance to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in his prime.

Maybe Middleton could go to a rebuilding team, but with the Bucks looking closer to contention than ever, that would be quite the step backward for the veteran wing mentally.

The 27-year-old has been a key contributor to a rebuilding team in the past: the Bucks. With first round exits in each of his playoff appearances, Middleton has yet to experience real success.

However, the Bucks appear to have asserted themselves as a lock for one of the top seeds in the Eastern Conference. With a record of 15-6, the Bucks show no signs of slowing down.

So, why would Middleton choose Dallas or Cleveland? In truth, he likely won’t.

Losing Middleton would also be a major blow to the Bucks, in terms of talent, fit, skill and culture.

With the Bucks holding Middleton’s bird rights, they have the tools required to ensure he gets paid for his contributions, and he could even receive a maximum offer from the Bucks if his play and/or the market warrants it.

In that situation, Middleton would have every reason to accept a maximum contract, or something close to it, from Milwaukee. The Bucks are potentially on the cusp of greatness, and Middleton is a large part of the reason why.

With Giannis at the wheel, the Bucks could be the NBA’s next great force. Why would Middleton want to go anywhere else? Fans have embraced Middleton, and through his various charitable contributions, he has returned that embrace.

When other teams come knocking on Middleton’s door, hopefully he will remember that Milwaukee will always be home.