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)
Just as free agency opened up, Khris Middleton agreed to a five-year deal to remain with the Milwaukee Bucks.
It always seemed as if Khris Middleton was always going to stay in Milwaukee, and it became official shortly after free agency opened up. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Middleton had re-signed with the Bucks to a five-year deal worth $178 million.
Before free agency, Middleton had declined the last year of his previous contract that would have paid him $13 million in hopes of snagging a much bigger and better contract. The new deal that Middleton has just signed will pay him an average of $35.6 million a year with a player option as well.
Coming off a season where Middleton thrived with newly crowned MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was clear that Milwaukee would do anything to bring back Middleton in hopes of contending for an NBA title. Last year, Middleton was named to his first All-Star game, while averaging 18.3 points, six rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Not only did Middleton have a career year, but he also helped the Bucks to the best regular season record in the NBA; including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals where the Bucks fell just short of reaching the NBA Finals after losing to the eventual champions in the Toronto Raptors.
With the Bucks facing an offseason with multiple key players all eligible for free agency, Middleton was perhaps the most important player for the Bucks to bring back to Milwaukee. With the Bucks just on the cusp of making a run towards the NBA Finals, Middleton should once again be a big part of their team as they move forward.