Ranking 4 threats to sign Khris Middleton away from Milwaukee Bucks

When Khris Middleton opted out of his $40.4 million player option with the Milwaukee Bucks last week, it seemed to be part of the plan for the veteran to secure his final long-term, lucrative contract in the NBA.

The soon-to-be 32-year-old forward has a growing injury history and is coming off one of his worst professional seasons. In only 33 games, he averaged 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game–the lowest points and rebounds since 2016-17 and assists since 2019-20.

Despite Middleton opting out, the Bucks are still the favorite to re-sign him once free agency begins. Waiting until then allows Milwaukee to sign him to a first-year salary less than the $40.4 million player option he declined. If they extended him before then, they’d have to start 2023-24 paying him at least that much.

However, that doesn’t mean Milwaukee isn’t not at risk of losing him. He will be a hot commodity in free agency, as one of the market’s best and most versatile two-way wings. Here are the four most-likely contenders to sign him away from the Bucks.

With Khris Middleton set to hit unrestricted free agency, here are the four most significant threats to sign him away from the Milwaukee Bucks.

4. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are in a similar boat as Milwaukee as they try to convince their franchise player to stick around in the long term. Luka Doncic loves to play with the rock in his hands and can make the game easier for his teammates. Dallas will first try to keep Kyrie Irving in the backcourt alongside him, but if that doesn’t work out, they could turn their sights to Middleton.

Middleton can easily fit in next to Doncic on the Mavs. He can space the floor when Luka dominates the ball and carry the load when he needs a rest. Middleton also has a Texas connection, as he played his college ball at Texas A&M.

Likelihood of signing him (1 is the least and 10 is most likely): 2

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Middleton has a connection with the Grizzlies thanks to Memphis’s head coach Taylor Jenkins. Jenkins used to be an assistant with the Bucks under Mike Budenholzer. However, that is where the likelihood of him signing with Memphis ends.

Yes, the Grizzlies have a need at small forward since they made their intentions to let Dillon Brooks walk in free agency known. Even after they renounce his rights, they will still be about $6 million over the cap. They’d have to clear a lot more cap space to sign Middleton, meaning they’d have to eliminate a few guys. That brings their likelihood of signing him way down.

Likelihood of signing him: 2

2. Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are cleared a ton of salary cap space, allowing them to sign a big-time free agent this offseason. Middleton would blend in nicely alongside De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis. His ability to play score from all three levels and create shots for others would make the Kings’ offense very dangerous.

I still don’t think Middleton will give the Kings a long look. Yes, they would be an intriguing team, but if Middleton wants to win, his best chance is with the Bucks. Sacramento also can’t offer him more money than Milwaukee, removing another reason why he might sign with them.

Likelihood of signing him: 3

1. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets are a legitimate candidate to sign either Middleton or Brook Lopez away from the Bucks.

The Middleton-Texas connection has already been made, and Houston is only one and a half hours away from College Station. Furthermore, Houston has what feels like all the money in the world to spend (or overspend) on some veteran free agents, and reports have said that’s exactly what they want to do. They have a bunch of young players with varying talent levels on their roster. Middleton could help stabilize them in the short and long term. Keep your eye on Houston.

Likelihood of signing him: 5