Khris Middleton signs extension with the Bucks: Reaction and Analysis

The biggest question for the Milwaukee Bucks entering 2023 NBA Free Agency was what would happen with Khris Middleton after he declined his $40 million player option.

The answer to that question has now been revealed, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Middleton has inked a new three-year deal worth $102 million to stay in Milwaukee.

Khris Middleton signs extension with the Bucks: Reaction and Analysis

The idea of Middleton leaving the Bucks in free agency always seemed a bit far-fetched, even if he would have to take a bit of a pay cut. Indeed, as many around the league expected he might have, Middleton took a friendlier deal for Milwaukee than he could have gotten elsewhere. Some wanted the Bucks to move off of Middleton, but that simply would have been a disastrous move, as there was very little chance of a sign-and-trade, and getting nothing for him would have been foolish.

The forward’s deal now lines up with both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday as the Bucks look to push all of their chips to the center of the table to contend.

Middleton is coming off a tough year where he was hindered by a recovering wrist and a nagging knee issue. Both should not be concerns with the three-time All-Star moving forward, having had a procedure on the knee earlier this off-season. With a healthy off-season underway, Middleton should be back with a vengeance next season. When healthy, he’s still a lethal three-level scorer who perfectly complements Antetokounmpo and Holiday and has proven to be a piece that can help this team win a championship.

While they locked up Middleton, the Bucks lost Jevon Carter to the Chicago Bulls, leaving them without a backup point guard at the moment. It will be interesting to see how they fill that gap via free agency or potentially through a trade sometime this off-season.

The biggest domino now involves Brook Lopez and where he may land in NBA Free Agency, so be sure to stick around here for more news on that whenever a decision is ultimately made.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis, rumors, and breakdowns in NBA Free Agency.