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7 bold predictions for Milwaukee Bucks’ 2023 offseason

By Brian Sampson

Mar 16, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) celebrates with center Brook Lopez (11) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) celebrates with center Brook Lopez (11) and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 8, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) passes the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half in game two of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) passes the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half in game two of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Khris Middleton declines player option, later re-signs with Bucks

Timing is everything with Khris Middleton and his player option. His decision date is June 21st and he’ll likely opt out of his deal that would pay him $40.4 million next season. No, I don’t think he’ll get that much in a single season, but he could get a longer deal that pays him more throughout the contract.

If/when Middleton opts out of his player option, he could re-sign with the Bucks before free agency begins on July 1. However, that contract would mean the first year couldn’t be for less than the player option was supposed to be, making it unlikely that’s how Milwaukee operates.

The more likely scenario is Middleton opts out, waits until free agency begins, and then re-signs with the Bucks. That would allow the team to ink him to a deal less than the $40.4 million player option he was set to earn in 2023-24.

Bucks re-sign Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez had a fantastic season, boosting his value to the Bucks and other teams in the NBA. His age is the biggest concern.

Next. 2 trade ideas for Bobby Portis. dark

He’s been such an integral part of what this franchise has accomplished over the last half-decade that it’s difficult to see him leaving. Milwaukee has the means to sign him to a lucrative contract, even if it would set them back in the luxury tax. Of course, they hope he’ll take a team-friendly deal and give them financial relief. Either way, both parties appear motivated to stay together.

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