NBA Rumors: Khris Middleton is expected to be one of the most sought after free agents next summer, and the Clippers, Lakers could be at the front of the line
Over the last season and a half, there might not be a player in the NBA that has broken out to the extent of Khris Middleton.
Yet, he still seems to fly under the radar of most, largely because he’s playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also, probably, because he plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. But that can soon change, however.
Middleton is in the midst of possibly his final year of his contract, he will likely opt out of the final year of his current deal in order to pursue a big payday in free agency this offseason. Assuming that’s what he’s going to do, he should be in line for huge offers this summer.
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Two teams that reportedly will be hot on his trail are the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.
"[via Sporting News]There will be opportunities to explore — both the Lakers and Clippers, sources say, will have interest in Middleton, and he’ll have options with rebuilding teams such as New York, Dallas and Cleveland. Either way, Middleton will get something around a five-year, $190 million deal from Milwaukee, or a four-year, $140 million contract to sign elsewhere."
Middleton is averaging 19 points, six rebounds and four assists per game this season, on 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. He’s one of the biggest reasons why the Bucks have gotten off to such a great start this season, and has been a great second option for this team, in addition to Giannis.
Milwaukee will likely want to re-sign Middleton this summer, but there’s no question that others teams will be interested in feeding him max contract offers. In essence, if the Bucks want keep Middleton on the roster, it’s going to cost them.
Is he worth a max deal? That’s the question that the Bucks will have to ask themselves. So far, it’s hard to argue that he isn’t. In the new NBA, he’s the prototypical two-guard. And that’s why many teams will be chasing him during the summer.
It’ll be imperative for the Bucks to retain him, especially if they believe this current team can compete with the other frontrunners in the Eastern Conference.