Milwaukee Bucks fans know Khris Middleton as a leader and a champion. Over his nearly 12 seasons with the franchise, Middleton endeared himself as both a clutch scorer and one of this generation's most beloved Bucks. Not for nothing did his departure last deadline leave heavy hearts behind in Milwaukee.
Now on the move again, he will bring his veteran savvy, strong character, and a winner's leadership to Dallas, where he is heading along with former Bucks draft pick AJ Johnson in a trade for Anthony Davis. Mavericks franchise star Cooper Flagg just got a valuable mentor to help coach him through his rookie season.
Middleton offers well of wisdom to Flagg and his Mavericks teammates
The Davis trade signals that Dallas is committed to tanking the remainder of the season in the interests of securing a better draft position. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, in addition to Middleton and Johnson, the Mavericks will receive Marvin Bagley III, Malaki Branham, two first-rounders, and three seconds.
Nothing in that return should help them win now, allowing Flagg and other young players to develop free of pressure.
The growth of Flagg as last year's No. 1 overall pick and leading Rookie of the Year candidate is the top priority in Dallas this season. He has already shown himself capable of operating the offense as a point-forward, averaging over 20 points and four assists per game. Flagg is coming off three straight games of 30-plus points and looks like the future superstar the Mavericks hoped for.
Benefiting from Middleton's mentorship should only nudge his progression along further. Middleton replaces Davis as one of the few accomplished veterans on a young, up-and-coming roster. A member of numerous playoff runs with the Bucks, including a key role on the 2021 title team, like Davis, he brings championship experience, but he can also provide playmaking pointers.
In Milwaukee, Middleton's passing chops were an underrated element of his game, despite the fact that he averaged four or more assists every season from 2017-18 onward. In his prime, he could both score for himself and create for teammates while playing staunch defense on the other end. For the Mavericks' vision of Flagg as a two-way star, Middleton's own career as a two-way star could provide valuable insights.
Although his role isn't set in stone, he should have a chance to share meaningful minutes with Flagg on the court. Middleton can still get buckets at age 34, averaging 10.3 points and 3.3 assists in 24 minutes per night for Washington. He still has the clutch gene.
After helping Giannis Antetokounmpo ascend to superstardom in Milwaukee, Middleton can do the same for Flagg in Dallas.