Re-signing Khris Middleton is likely top priority for the Milwaukee Bucks this summer, but that doesn’t mean other teams won’t try to steal him away.
Already one of the longest tenured current Milwaukee Bucks players, Khris Middleton could be set to position himself as one of the more notable players in franchise history if he re-signs with the franchise in the next couple of weeks.
That in its own right will probably appeal to Middleton, as will the chance to go again with a team that was just two wins away from the Finals, and to continue to be the primary sidekick to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will likely be crowned as MVP on Monday night.
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In other words, all signs point to Middleton re-signing.
When Middleton officially opted out of his contract on Wednesday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski was quick to follow up with a report suggesting the plan for both Middleton and the Bucks was to work toward a max contract agreement in free agency:
"“Middleton and the Bucks are planning to work together toward a new long-term deal, league sources said. Middleton is expected to command a max contract with Milwaukee or elsewhere. He is eligible to sign a five-year, $190 million deal to stay with the Bucks, or a four-year, $141 million contract with another team.”"
Still, there’s no such thing as a sure thing in the NBA. Contract discussions can often go awry at the last moment, and frequently when it’s least expected.
In Middleton’s case, who are the teams that will be hoping for such an outcome, or perhaps even working to sow seeds of doubt in his mind? Let’s take a closer look at three of his potential suitors.