Despite being traded by the franchise this past February, Khris Middleton isn't ruling out a return to the Milwaukee Bucks at some point in his career. Ahead of his much-anticipated return to face the Bucks in Milwaukee on opening night, the forward went on Thanasis Antetokounmpo's podcast, Thanalysis, and made the declaration when asked if he'd ever come back.
"You know, you know, I’m happy here in Washington right now. They're doing me well. I believe in the young talent that they have. But you never know in this business. You know, I never thought I was going to get traded. And here I am. So, it’s something that, you know, you never want to close the door, you know, on life and different things. So, it’s something that, you know, it just has to be the right situation at the right time.”
Khris Middleton returning to Milwaukee would make plenty of sense
Middleton is the definition of a franchise icon. Though he might not have been the top-tier player Giannis Antetokounmpo is, that didn't stop him from etching his place in franchise history. His endless run of clutch buckets and big-time moments during the title run alone will have his jersey hoisted into the Fiserv Forum rafters down the line.
Yet, the story might not be finished yet. Middleton returning would add even more lore to his history as one of the engineers of this generation of Milwaukee Bucks basketball.
Now, at this point in his career, Middleton isn't reclaiming his role as Milwaukee's go-to second option. One of the reasons why the team parted with him last season was that his production had fallen off mightily after a string of injury-riddled seasons. Availability was also an issue, as the injuries kept him off the floor often. It hurt for a team that was all-in on winning and needed him.
Still, none of that is to say he can't help this team in some capacity.
If Middleton were to return, he could likely pick right back up where he left off with Giannis, given the chemistry they built up over a decade. His ability to serve as a complementary ball-hander, scorer, and outside shooter could go a long way for this team. He wouldn't exactly fit in with the new roster built around youth and athleticism, but that doesn't mean he cannot help at all.
For now, it's something to put on hold. Middleton isn't going anywhere for the time being. Even if the Wizards look to trade him ahead of the deadline next year, the Milwaukee Bucks won't be one of the teams trying to get him. This would have to be a situation where he comes back to Milwaukee on a cheap contract. Only time will tell if he ever gets the opportunity.
No. 22 is still vacant if Khris Middleton decides he ever wants to don it once more before his jersey retirement ceremony.
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