Grading Milwaukee Bucks free agent moves on Day 1

TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 19: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket to tie the game during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - MAY 19: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates with teammates after scoring a basket to tie the game during the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 21: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 21: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Re-signing Khris Middleton

The next move the Bucks reportedly made involved their second-best player in Khris Middleton. Middleton made the All-Star team for the first time last year and proved to be a lethal two-way threat. Although his per-game numbers were down, his per 36-minute averages were up.

Middleton is the only other player on the team not named Antetokounmpo who can consistently create his own shot. That takes a lot of pressure off his teammates. He’s also the perfect compliment to Antetokounmpo, as he stretches the floor and understands his role on the team.

He agreed to return to Milwaukee on a five-year, $178 million deal with the fifth year being a player option. That’s less than the $190 million he could’ve have gotten and $2 million less than what Tobias Harris signed for with the Philadelphia 76ers. Although it doesn’t really help Milwaukee’s cap space, it does demonstrate the sacrifice he’s willing to make. Great deal for both sides.

Grade: A