"They don't want you anymore." That's what Khris Middleton realized when the Milwaukee Bucks had traded him to Washington earlier this year, as detailed in a conversation with NBA insider Jake Fisher (subscription required). After spending over a decade in Milwaukee, Middleton's time came to an end in a way that no one had envisioned, and it was a tough pill to swallow for everyone.
The end of Khris Middleton's Bucks tenure hurt everyone
As Middleton pointed out in his conversation with Fischer, injuries played a massive part in the move. Following Milwaukee's triumphant title run, during which Middleton etched his name among the best playoff heroes of recent years, the All-Star forward has undergone numerous surgeries and missed significant time. He was constantly in and out of the lineup, and it became troublesome.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo getting older every single day, the Milwaukee Bucks couldn't continue to wait for Middleton. His health, unfortunately, became a high-risk situation. It wasn't easy, but they made the decision to trade him. Being able to dodge the second apron in the trade was also clearly a motive, as the Bucks were willing to ship out former first-round pick AJ Johnson in the same deal.
This writer takes no pride in saying it, but it certainly looks like the Milwaukee Bucks made the right move. Kyle Kuzma hasn't been perfect, though he has been much better this season, but there has been a clear regression from Middleton. In just 14 games this season, he's averaging 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He's just not the same player he used to be.
Kyle Kuzma and the flexibility getting under the second apron created have been useful this season and could allow the team to further beef up the roster.
No matter how things ended, Middleton will always be a Milwaukee legend. His countless clutch shots for the Milwaukee Bucks, particularly in the playoffs, earned him his flowers. Seeing Middleton and a young Giannis Antetokounmpo grow together over a decade was a treat. It's only a matter of time before both of their jerseys go up in the Fiserv Forum rafters as well.
Who knows, with free agency looming next summer, or a buyout before then, perhaps Middleton's story with the Milwaukee Bucks isn't quite finished yet. Never say never in the NBA. Yet, for now, the matchup between the Bucks and Wizards on Monday night is the focus of Middleton, Kuzma, and everyone in between.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.