5 moves the Milwaukee Bucks should make in the offseason

Milwaukee Bucks should Extend Khris Middleton

The Milwaukee Bucks were able to take the Boston Celtics to a seventh game in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It was clear in Game 7 that the Bucks were missing Middleton. Giannis Antetokounmpo was out of gas after having to carry the bulk of the scoring load.

The Milwaukee Bucks sure missed his defense and three-point shooting in that series.

Middleton is entering the final guaranteed year on his deal as he can opt out after next season. Middleton is eligible for an extension this summer. Despite being a polarizing player for the Bucks’ fan base, the Milwaukee Bucks need to extend Middleton.

It will be a big payday for Middleton, starting at $40 million a year.

Some Bucks supporters would rather see Middleton as part of a trade package for Damian Lillard. Others would prefer $40 million not be given to Middleton since he will be 32 when a possible extension kicks in. Plus, he has logged many minutes for the Milwaukee Bucks since 2017.

On the other hand, he has formed the perfect championship partnership with Giannis. Middleton has been the go-to scorer down the stretch. When he gets on a hot shooting streak, he can close out games.

He has also averaged over 20 points a game the past three seasons and has made three out of the last four All-Star teams. He is also a career 39.2% three-point shooter.

While the amount of money on the extension might be unfathomable to some people, Middleton’s championship play will be worth it. Basketball Reference has Tobias Harris as one of Middleton’s scoring comps, and Harris is due the same amount of money from the 76ers at three points less of the production. Plus, Middleton got the Bucks a ring. He still has enough in the tank for a couple more playoff runs that keeping him around might be worth it.