Grading Milwaukee Bucks free agent moves on Day 1
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.