With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard silencing early-season trade rumors through their improved chemistry and on-court success, the NBA rumor mill has shifted its focus to their teammate Khris Middleton. While the three-time All-Star’s move to a bench role has fueled speculation about potential trades involving players like Jimmy Butler, Jerami Grant, and Bogdan Bogdanović, dealing Middleton would be a significant mistake for the Bucks’ championship aspirations.
Why a Khris Middleton Trade Would Set the Bucks Back
The Value of Chemistry and Championship Experience
The most compelling reason to keep Middleton is his unique chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their partnership, forged over years of playing together, has been instrumental in Milwaukee’s success, including their 2021 NBA championship. This on-court synergy was evident in their recent dominant win over the Orlando Magic, where their connection produced multiple successful plays that showcased their innate understanding of each other’s games, with Middleton assisting Giannis on three of his six assists.
This chemistry isn’t just about highlight plays – it’s about championship-tested trust in crucial moments. Any replacement, regardless of individual talent, would need significant time to develop similar rapport with Antetokounmpo, time the Bucks can’t afford to waste in their pursuit of another title.
Adapting to a New Role
While Middleton’s move to the bench might appear as a sign of decline, it’s actually a strategic adjustment that could benefit the team long-term. Since accepting this role, he’s shown impressive efficiency, averaging 12.4 points on 57.5% shooting over his last five games, along with 4.6 assists and a +11.0 plus-minus rating. More importantly, this shift has helped unlock new lineup combinations and provided stability to the second unit.
His veteran presence off the bench gives the Bucks a reliable playmaker and scorer when Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard rest. This depth could prove crucial in the playoffs, where having multiple creators becomes increasingly important.
The Health Factor
Critics point to Middleton’s ongoing recovery from offseason ankle surgeries as a reason to move him. However, the Bucks’ cautious approach with his minutes (23.5 per game) shows they’re prioritizing his long-term availability. His recent shooting splits suggest he’s still an efficient offensive player when healthy, and his production should only improve as he continues to build strength and conditioning.
The Trade Market Reality for Khris Middleton
A rumored Jimmy Butler trade would first require the Bucks to get under the second apron by trading away Pat Connaughton’s salary, followed by gutting the team’s depth to match Butler’s salary. The other proposed trades for Middleton don’t offer clear upgrades. While players like Jerami Grant or Bogdan Bogdanović might provide more consistent availability, neither brings Middleton’s combination of playmaking, shooting, and playoff experience.
| Rk | Player | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | eFG% | FT% | TRB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khris Middleton | 17 | 23.5 | 4.6 | 9.6 | .479 | 3.1 | 5.8 | .541 | 1.5 | 3.8 | .385 | .555 | .825 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 12.6 |
| 2 | Bogdan Bogdanović | 20 | 25.3 | 3.7 | 9.4 | .390 | 1.6 | 3.0 | .533 | 2.1 | 6.4 | .323 | .500 | .920 | 2.6 | 2.3 | 10.5 |
| 3 | Jerami Grant | 30 | 32.4 | 4.8 | 12.5 | .381 | 2.4 | 6.2 | .382 | 2.4 | 6.3 | .381 | .477 | .824 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 14.7 |
Why Trading Khris Middleton Would Be a Mistake for the Bucks
While Middleton’s role has evolved, his importance to the Bucks’ championship aspirations hasn’t diminished. His unique combination of skills, experience, and chemistry with the team’s cornerstone player makes him irreplaceable in Milwaukee’s pursuit of another title.
Instead of trading Middleton, the Bucks should focus on maximizing his current role while gradually increasing his minutes as the playoffs approach. His ability to play both with the starters and lead the second unit gives Coach Doc Rivers valuable flexibility in crafting playoff rotations.
For a team with championship aspirations, the known quantity of a battle-tested veteran like Middleton far outweighs the uncertain returns of a mid-season trade. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make, and keeping Middleton falls firmly into that category.
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