Small forward Khris Middleton has declined his $40 million 2023-24 player option with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Middleton becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30.
Middleton could sign a four-year, $130 million contract with the Bucks, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Milwaukee is expected to re-sign the three-time All-Star swingman.
“NBA executives across the league who spoke with HoopsHype expect the Milwaukee Bucks to retain Khris Middleton this summer,” Scotto wrote. “Those executives project Middleton to command a four-year, $130 million contract from Milwaukee should he decline his $40.4 million player option for the upcoming season and enter unrestricted free agency.
“The Bucks have a strong desire to retain both Middleton and free-agent center Brook Lopez this summer, league sources told HoopsHype. Milwaukee is expected to compete with the Houston Rockets for Lopez’s services. Previously, Lopez told HoopsHype in January that he wanted to re-sign with Milwaukee.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Khris Middleton & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists this past season while shooting 43.6% from the field, 31.5% from beyond the arc, and 90.2% from the free-throw line. He only appeared in 33 games. The veteran underwent successful surgery on his right knee shortly after the 2023 NBA playoffs, according to Shams Charania and Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
“Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Khris Middleton underwent successful surgery on his right knee shortly after the playoffs to address an issue that plagued him this past season, league sources tell The Athletic,” Charania and Nehm wrote. “Middleton, 31, is expected to fully recover from the minor arthroscopic procedure, and he should be back on the court in July. Per sources, the clean-up procedure to his right knee was planned and scheduled prior to the season coming to a close.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Khris Middleton & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Bucks hired Adrian Griffin as their new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer. Middleton and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo met with Griffin during the interview process.
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