Among many other things, the Milwaukee Bucks' dominant 122-93 victory over their closest Eastern Conference rivals in the Orlando Magic showcased why Khris Middleton remains an irreplaceable part of this roster—even as whispers of a potential trade for a certain superstar in South Beach continue to persist.
Let's get this out of the way early: we can all see it. Middleton is no longer the 20-point-per-game All-Star and defender he once was. But there's one aspect to his game that's missing in the discourse surrounding him, and it's that his chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo remains one of the team’s most potent weapons.
Against the Magic, Middleton’s connection with Giannis was on full display. The duo executed multiple lob plays that left the Orlando defense scrambling. These sequences weren’t just flashy highlights—they were reminders of the trust and familiarity built over years of playing together. That kind of on-court synergy can’t be replicated overnight, and it’s hard to imagine another player stepping in and seamlessly filling Middleton’s role in the same way.
Trading Middleton for Butler is the last thing the Milwaukee Bucks need
It's not a secret at this point that the Milwaukee Bucks have been mentioned in various trade rumors, with Jimmy Butler’s name frequently floated as a potential target.
Nobody's denying that it would be a tantalizing prospect. While Butler brings star power and a strong playoff résumé, there’s no guarantee he’d develop the same rapport with Giannis. Chemistry is a fragile thing in the NBA, and what Middleton offers goes beyond individual numbers. His ability to read Giannis’s movements, set him up for easy looks and act as a secondary playmaker when defenses collapse on the two-time MVP is invaluable.
Middleton’s skill set also complements Giannis perfectly. His mid-range shooting and 3-point touch provide spacing, while his ability to operate as a secondary ball-handler adds another layer to Milwaukee’s offense.
It's also worth noting that since moving to a bench role, Middleton has been finding his groove. While his minutes are still being monitored as he works his way back from offseason knee surgery, he’s looked increasingly comfortable orchestrating the second unit. In doing so, he’s helped transform Milwaukee’s bench into one of the most effective in the league.
Over the last five games, the Milwaukee Bucks’ bench has been averaging 40.4 points per game, tying the Oklahoma City Thunder for the seventh spot in that statistic. Middleton’s presence as a stabilizing force has been a significant factor in that success. He’s embraced his new role, focusing on efficient playmaking and scoring rather than trying to carry the offense as he once did.
Middleton’s transition to the bench has also unlocked opportunities for other players to thrive. His ability to mentor younger teammates and draw defensive attention has created openings for emerging contributors like Andre Jackson Jr. and AJ Green. Meanwhile, his poise ensures the Bucks maintain their composure during critical stretches, even when Giannis or Damian Lillard are resting.
The idea of trading Middleton is tempting, especially given his contract and recent injury history. The reality is that he's aged in ways that may no longer be reversible. But games like this highlight why the Milwaukee Bucks should think twice. Middleton’s value isn’t just about his scoring or defense—it’s about the way he amplifies Giannis’s strengths and stabilizes the team’s overall play.
That doesn't mean the problems that Middleton brings don't exist, of course. He may no longer be the third scoring option he once was, and he's definitely not the same defender these days anymore. But those questions are easier to find answers to than whether or not Jimmy Butler can put it together with a new team just in time to make a deep playoff run.
While the Milwaukee Bucks should remain open to moves that improve their championship odds, parting with Middleton could disrupt the delicate balance that makes this team work. Chemistry is a rare commodity in the NBA, and Middleton’s unique fit alongside Giannis is something the Bucks shouldn’t take for granted.
In a season full of questions about Milwaukee’s long-term direction, Middleton continues to provide answers. Against the Magic, he offered a compelling case for why the Bucks might be better off keeping him around.
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