Khris Middleton will be a free agent this offseason.
His agents, Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that Middleton is declining his $40 million player option with the Milwaukee Bucks. The 31-year-old will instead enter the open market.
Three-time All-Star forward Khris Middleton has declined his $40 million player option with the Milwaukee Bucks to become a free agent, his agents Mike Lindeman and Jeff Schwartz of @excelbasketball tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/k0sO5qhSk6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023
Some NBA fans will question Middleton turning down so much money after playing just 33 games last season. Returning from offseason wrist surgery, he averaged 15.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game before a shocking first-round playoff exit.
However, Middleton was a vital piece to Milwaukee’s 2021 championship squad. When healthy, the three-time All-Star gives the Bucks a two-way star alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Although Middleton likely won’t match a $40 million annual salary, he could instead secure long-term stability by signing a multi-year contract with the Bucks or another team. The former second-round pick has spent the last 10 seasons in Milwaukee.
Wojnarowski said a return to Milwaukee remains possible, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he “would wager” on Middleton re-signing with the Bucks.