NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets eyeing Khris Middleton as an offseason target

NBA Trade Rumors: There is another big name that the Houston Rockets could be targeting this offseason. 

The Houston Rockets are preparing to make a return to relevancy in the Western Conference. But that could prove to be difficult considering they’re coming off a 22-win season. They’re going to need to have a close-to-perfect offseason to significantly move up the West standings next season. Nevertheless, it seems that the Rockets are ready for the challenge.

It starts with the NBA Draft. It would be a lot easier if the Rockets win the NBA Draft Lottery but considering that’s unlikely to happen, free agency and the trade market is probably where they’ll have to make their biggest splashes of the offseason.

And if the recent reporting is any indication, this is a team that is looking to make some big moves. Houston will be whale-hunting this offseason. In the last few weeks, the Rockets have already been linked to Jaylen Brown and James Harden. Whether or not either one of them becomes available remains to be seen, however.

One player that will likely hit free agency this offseason that the Rockets are also reportedly interested in is Khris Middleton.

Despite a disappointing end to the season for the Milwaukee Bucks, over the years Khris Middleton has been one of the team’s most important players. After a slow start to the season, as he continued to recover from injury, Middleton finished the season by averaging 15 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game on 44 percent shooting from the field. He also only played in 33 regular season games.

In the playoffs, though, Middleton averaged 24 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 47 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. When it mattered most, we saw the best version of Middleton this season. It’s a shame the Bucks fumbled away the series to the Miami Heat, but it was clear that Middleton is still a really good player when healthy.

Middleton will likely opt out of the final year of his contract with the Bucks in an attempt to seek a long-term deal. The question is, will that long-term deal come from the Bucks or will it come from another team?

And if it does come from another team, could that team be the Rockets?

On the surface, adding Middleton can’t be the only move the Rockets make this offseason. That wouldn’t make much sense. If they are interested in Middleton, it’s probablyin addition to another bigger move.