Predicting the Bucks' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Tyler Watts
SG: Khris Middleton
Can the Bucks count on Middleton? His numbers were outstanding, considering he averaged just 27.0 minutes per game. He still put up 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals, while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 38.1 percent on his free throws. Middleton appeared in just 55 contests and played over 30 minutes in 24 of them.
It is the second straight year. The three-time All-Star played just 33 games in the 2022-23 season and has not appeared in more than 70 contests since 2019.
Middleton handled significant minutes in the playoffs, but holding up over the 82-game regular season may be a thing of the past for the 32-year-old. The Bucks should be hoping for 65 contests with the 6’7 wing healthy for the playoffs.
He is set to make $31.7 million next season with a $34.0 million player option in 2025. Given his health, Khris Middleton is likely to opt in. The Bucks need to maximize his production and keep him on the floor for when the games matter most. His trade value is limited, so whatever he can offer is better than what Milwaukee would receive in a deal.
The Bucks need a stout and versatile defender next to him and Dame, and Milwaukee should try to convince this option to join them in free agency.