On February 5, the Milwaukee Bucks made a significant trade, sending Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards. This deal brought Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee and marked the end of a memorable era for Middleton with the Bucks. During his 12-season tenure in Milwaukee, Middleton not only made three All-Star teams but also played a crucial role in the team’s 2021 NBA championship victory.
Jon Horst, the General Manager of the Bucks, remarked that trading Middleton was one of the toughest decisions he has had to make in his career. “I have a personal relationship with Khris and his family,” Horst shared with reporters. He humorously noted that his home is filled with Middleton jerseys, a testament to his deep connection with the player.
The sentiment of loss was echoed throughout the Bucks’ community, affecting fans and fellow players alike, including star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Middleton himself addressed the city of Milwaukee in a touching message posted on his X account last Friday. He expressed gratitude for the city’s support from the very beginning, recalling the journey from rebuilding years to becoming NBA champions.
“From the first day I arrived, you welcomed me with open arms. We went through the early rebuilding, rose to championship contention, and finally, we achieved the dream of the 2021 NBA championship,” Middleton wrote. He reminisced about the thrilling late-game performances, comeback wins, and the joy of bringing the championship trophy back to Milwaukee after a 50-year hiatus.
Over his career with the Bucks, Middleton played in 735 games, averaging 17.1 points per game. This season, he played 23 games with a 12.6-point average, his lowest since the 2013-14 season. Recent years have seen Middleton struggling with injuries, including undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles last offseason, which impacted his performance.
Despite the challenges, Middleton’s departure is seen as the end of a significant chapter in Milwaukee’s history, and he leaves as a revered figure likely to have his jersey honored in the future. In his farewell note, Middleton poignantly said, “This isn’t goodbye — it’s thank you.”
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