Two-time All-Star Khris Middleton has made known his decision this free agency.
Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Middleton declined his $40 million player option to become a free agent. The player's agents, Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz, relayed this to the NBA insider.
Three-time All-Star forward Khris Middleton has declined his $40 million player option with the Milwaukee Bucks to become a free agent, his agents Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/k0sO5qhSk6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023
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Middle and the Bucks are coming off a dismal 2023 playoffs after losing to the Miami Heat in five games as the first seed.
Before that, Middleton dealt with recurring injuries, having played only for 33 games and averaged only 15.1 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds.
He also missed the playoffs of 2022 after being diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament sprain that ended his season.
Where to now for Middleton?
Middleton is not going anywhere. Many believe such a move is the only way for the 32-year-old sharpshooter to sign a longer deal. This is also beneficial for the Bucks, who said they will keep the Bucks' core.
Financially, this is a good development, too, for the Wisconsin-based team. Per Michael Sotto of HoopsHype:
Per Michael, league executives expect Khris Middleton to command a deal at around four years, $130M.
The Bucks are now in the repeater tax, but this framework where he decreases his first year salary could allow them to have a similar penalty as last season ($84M in 2022-23). https://t.co/VhQJfHTiLy— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 22, 2023
Bucks fans are also aware of the situation.
Just a heads up for those not following Bucks cap situation closely… tomorrow we will likely hear that Khris is declining his player option and becoming a free agent… this is okay and expected. He is likely to re-sign on a longer deal for less $/yr, which is ideal.
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) June 20, 2023
Previous reports claimed the Bucks would work to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Brook Lopez this coming season. These guys were all instrumental in their 2021 NBA Championship victory, their first in 50 years.
Lopez, for his part, wants to stay in Milwaukee despite interest from other teams.
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