The Milwaukee Bucks are going to be heavily criticized all summer long for their first-round collapse against the Miami Heat. Many anticipate coaching and roster changes, but who exactly will leave or stay?
Matt Moore of The Action Network has revealed that Khris Middleton’s future may be up in the air and his return to the Bucks in the summer may not be as easy as it looks.
“NBA sources have long said to keep an eye on the Bucks and their future, particularly with Middleton, who will soon be 32 years old. He has a player option this summer and is seeking that last, great, large contract. Teams will offer it if he chooses to explore his options. Despite coming off injuries, he showed what he was capable of late in the season, even in Game 5. If the Bucks feel they have to get younger and more athletic and can’t commit long-term, a key piece may be gone.”
Middleton had an injury-ridden season, averaging 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds in only 33 games during the regular season. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the playoffs.
His injury last season spoiled their title hopes and they became the best record in the NBA after his return to the squad in January. He also played a crucial role in the only Bucks win in the first round.
Should The Bucks Move On?
If Middleton can get a team to value his two-way ability and championship-winning resume, he could get a nice contract offer in the summer. The Bucks would stand to gain nothing outside some luxury tax relief, as they do not have the cap space to sign a replacement with the money Middleton will free up.
K-Midd has a player option for next season for $40.396 million. He likely won’t receive the same money on the open market, but he can secure his long-term future with a three to four-year contract. Chris Paul turned down a nearly $40 million player option to re-sign with the Suns in 2021 on a cheaper deal that guaranteed him a longer contract.
Singing and trading K-Midd may be an option for the Bucks, but a team that’s also looking to re-sign Brook Lopez in the summer will have to figure out how to keep their players while adding more pieces for next season. That may be impossible, so some 2021 title winners may be exiting the squad this off-season.
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