The Golden State Warriors decided to part ways with one of their greatest players ever, Klay Thompson (who signed a three-year, $50 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks), this summer in an effort to retool around Stephen Curry who is coming off a magical Olympics debut where he averaged a team-high 14.8 points per game on 48.4% from three. In an effort for the Warriors to get back to title contention, they can take a risk on Khris Middleton, the former two-time All-Star for the Milwaukee Bucks who could be primed for a bounce-back season.
Trade Details
Golden State Warriors Receive: Khris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody
This is a surprising trade idea that could give the Warriors fresh blood since Middleton is a natural sharpshooter and perimeter defender while the Bucks get a fresh dose of athleticism and youth.
Golden State Warriors Make Khris Middleton The New Splash Brother
The Golden State Warriors have long been synonymous with the Splash Brothers, a duo that has revolutionized the NBA with their unparalleled shooting prowess. However, with Klay Thompson gone, the Warriors might look to retool by bringing in Khris Middleton, a player who offers both shooting and defensive skills that fit perfectly with the Warriors’ system. Middleton, a two-time All-Star, is known for his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc and his solid perimeter defense. His career average of 38.8% from three-point range would complement Stephen Curry’s dynamic playmaking, creating a new version of the Splash Brothers that could reignite the Warriors’ title hopes.
Middleton’s ability to play off the ball would be crucial in the Warriors’ system, which relies heavily on movement and spacing. While his recent seasons have been marred by injuries, Middleton still averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 38.1% from three in the 2023-24 season, showing he can still contribute at a high level when healthy. His mid-range game also adds another dimension to the Warriors’ offense, providing them with a reliable scoring option outside of Curry, especially in clutch situations where Thompson used to thrive. The Warriors could hope that a change of scenery and a renewed focus on winning could help Middleton return to his All-Star form.
Moreover, Middleton’s experience and leadership would be invaluable to a Warriors team that is transitioning from the core that won three championships. With Draymond Green and Stephen Curry still on the roster, adding a seasoned veteran like Middleton could help maintain the team’s competitive edge while also giving the younger players someone to learn from. If Middleton can stay healthy and find his rhythm in the Warriors’ system, he could be the perfect addition to help Curry chase another championship.
Milwaukee Bucks Inject Athleticism And Speed
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this trade represents an opportunity to refresh their roster by adding younger and more athletic pieces in Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody. Wiggins, who averaged 13.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, is an explosive athlete who can provide the Bucks with much-needed energy on both ends of the floor. His ability to slash to the basket and finish at the rim adds a different dimension to the Bucks’ offense, which has sometimes relied too heavily on perimeter shooting. Defensively, Wiggins is versatile enough to guard multiple positions, fitting well alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in a switch-heavy scheme. Of course, the aim will be to get Wiggins back to the high level he showed during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run.
Moses Moody, a promising young guard, brings additional upside with his combination of shooting and defensive potential. While he has yet to fully break out in the NBA, Moody showed flashes of his talent during the 2023-24 season, where he averaged 8.1 points per game on 36.0% shooting from beyond the arc. His youth and work ethic make him an intriguing prospect for the Bucks, who could develop him into a key contributor alongside their core. Moody’s ability to space the floor and his growing confidence on defense could help the Bucks maintain their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference while also planning for the future.
This trade also gives the Bucks financial flexibility moving forward. By moving Middleton’s sizable contract, they reduce their long-term salary obligations, which could allow them to pursue other moves in free agency or at the trade deadline. With Giannis still in his prime, the Bucks need to find the right balance between winning now and building for the future, and this trade could help them do just that by bringing in younger players who can contribute immediately while still having room to grow.
What Grade Should This Trade Be?
This is a risky trade for the Warriors but it does net them a star-caliber player while the Bucks move on from a player that might not be the best fit for them anymore. Both teams get some wins but take some risks.
Golden State Warriors: B-
For the Warriors, this trade is a calculated risk. While Khris Middleton is an accomplished player who could fit seamlessly into their system, his recent injury history (only 88 games played in two seasons) and the uncertainty about whether he can return to his All-Star level of play make this trade a gamble. However, the potential payoff could be significant if Middleton regains his form, giving the Warriors a dynamic duo with Curry and adding another legitimate scoring threat. The loss of Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody, both key contributors with upside, makes this a somewhat risky move, which is why the trade garners a B- grade. The Warriors are betting on Middleton’s ability to stay healthy and deliver when it matters most.
Milwaukee Bucks: B
The Bucks receive a B grade for this trade, as they exchange an aging star with a hefty contract for two younger, more athletic players who can contribute immediately while still having potential for growth. Andrew Wiggins brings a combination of scoring and defense that fits well with the Bucks’ current roster built around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, while Moses Moody adds shooting and youth to their rotation. This trade also gives the Bucks more flexibility moving forward, both financially and in terms of roster construction. However, the loss of Middleton’s experience and leadership, especially in clutch situations, means this trade isn’t without its risks, keeping the grade at a solid B.
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