While recovering from a wrist procedure and dealing with lingering knee soreness, it was clear that Khirs Middleton was not himself last season. These injuries limited him to just 33 regular season games, which was the third-fewest total in a season in his career. With this knee issue lingering, many wondered if the forward would have to undergo some kind of procedure once Milwaukee’s season ended, and the answer has now been revealed.
According to The Athletic NBA insider Shams Charania, Middleton underwent a successful surgery shortly after the playoffs to clean up this issue. Middleton is expected to make a full recovery and be back on the court in July, which is extremely important with his potential free agency looming as he ponders his player option.
Reaction to Bucks forward Khris Middleton undergoing knee surgery
While the injury bug has bitten Middleton consistently recently, having dealt with a sprained MCL, the wrist injury, and this lingering knee issue over the past two years, this surgery should help the forward finally get right for good. With Charania noting that Middleton is expected to be back out on the court within the next month, this is not something that should carry over into next season, unlike last year, which would certainly be a positive outcome for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks are widely expected to keep Middleton this off-season on a new long-term deal if he declines his player option. Despite the recent handful of injuries, this latest surgery is not likely to change the minds of anyone in Milwaukee’s front office regarding the idea of keeping Middleton. It’s the right decision, as he’s still an incredibly productive piece when healthy and was still a solid piece in the playoffs this past season despite the knee issue that clearly bothered him.
Hopefully this surgery eradicates the issue entirely so that the Bucks never have to visit it again as they prepare to offer him a nice new deal, in all likelihood.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis and updates on Khris Middleton’s free agency as the off-season starts to take shape in the coming months.