Khris Middleton could be back on the market soon, and in that case, the Milwaukee Bucks feel like a logical suitor. Per The Athletic's Josh Robbins (subscription required), executives believe the likeliest route for Middleton over the next few weeks is to remain with the Washington Wizards through the NBA Trade Deadline and then be bought out. Would returning to Milwaukee make sense? Likely.
Bucks' small forward depth is still gutted
Any team that signs Khris Middleton knows they aren't getting 2021 Khris Middleton. The veteran is in the middle of one of his least productive seasons, averaging 9.8 points and 3.3 assists while burying a mere 32.5 percent of his triples. He won't be a needle-tipper for any squad, but for a team like the Milwaukee Bucks, he could certainly be a useful addition.
The Bucks could use another offensive threat off the bench. Although moving Kevin Porter Jr. to the second unit should help, Milwaukee still ranks 16th in bench points and is in the bottom portion for turnovers per game this season. Someone like Middleton, a savvy veteran scorer who has always proven he can lead as an orchestrator, could help in both regards.
It wouldn't hurt to bring in someone who is already familiar with much of this group. Middleton was in Milwaukee for over a decade, growing with Giannis Antetokounmpo. For years, those two were totally in sync when it came to lob plays and particular two-man actions. With how poor Milwaukee's offense has been, leaning on that partnership at times could inject some needed life.
Milwaukee could also simply use another body at small forward, an area they've been depleted at since trading away Middleton in the first place. With Taurean Prince injured and the writing on the wall that Amir Coffey will be used in a trade, bringing in a 6-foot-7 forward to give the team some depth at the bare minimum would be a low-risk in-season move.
Although all of this sounds good on paper, one has to wonder if Middleton himself would consider a return to Milwaukee. While he has done nothing but speak positively about his time with the franchise, they did cut him loose last season, and their odds of making a run this season are slipping. Perhaps a different team would be more appealing. Yet, that's speculation.
There's no telling if Khris Middleton will be bought out, but if he is, the Milwaukee Bucks should be among the first teams to give him a phone call.
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