The Milwaukee Bucks wouldn't have won the 2021 NBA championship without Khris Middleton.
That was Giannis Antetokounmpo's team, yes, but Middleton was a fitting Robin to the Batman that was Giannis. His No. 2 role was crucial in getting the Bucks to the trophy.
It was less than four years after that title that the Bucks decided to trade Middleton to the Washington Wizards. On Wednesday, Middleton returns to Milwaukee for the first time as an opponent.
“I think the most important thing, he should get the warmest welcome ever,” Antetokounmpo told The Athletic's Eric Nehm. “When he comes here and he sees the tribute video, he should be in tears crying before the game. I cannot explain how much Khris means to this team. I cannot explain how much Khris means to me. … That’s my brother for life. We’ve done incredible things together, so I cannot wait to see him tear up on Wednesday.”
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Khris Middleton trade details
The Bucks and Wizards made this trade in February 2025:
Wizards get: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, 2028 first-round pick swap
Bucks get: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., 2025 second-round pick
The deal also had Milwaukee sending Delon Wright to the Knicks for Jericho Sims to help match up all the salary movement.
Why did the Bucks trade Khris Middleton to the Wizards?
The Bucks were eying that obnoxious second salary cap apron when they made this deal.
The second apron makes roster moves difficult, and Middleton's salary was too big for what he was offering at his age with his injury woes.
Middleton's player option salary for 2025-26 is $34 million. Kuzma is making $21.4 million this season.
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Khris Middleton Bucks stats
Middleton is the Bucks' career leader in made 3-pointers, at 1,382.
He's also third in franchise history with 12,586 points, behind Giannis and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Middleton is second in franchise history in games and minutes played, behind Giannis, and third in franchise history in assists.
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